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THE SEVEN AVA'S OF THE
LODI APPELLATION
The Lodi Appellation is a
federally designated American Viticulture Area recognized for the distinctive
quality of its wines. Located directly east of San Francisco at the edge of the
Sacramento River Delta, the Lodi appellation is noted for its classic
Mediterranean climate and its distinctive sandy soils that provide the perfect
environment for the production of world-class wines.
The federal government first
approved the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1986, and over the past
two decades the number of "Lodi" labeled wines has skyrocketed.
As the quality and
recognition of Lodi wines spread, local winegrowers began to recognize the wide
variety of ecological differences across the vastness of the Lodi AVA -
differences that began to show in the wines emerging from their
vineyards.
These winegrowers sought to
create sub-appellations that better reflect the diversity of the land. Their
efforts resulted in the most extensive historical and science-based document
outlining the diversity in climate, soil, topography, and elevation of any
appellation ever to be submitted for federal approval. Their research concluded
that seven distinct growing areas exist and deserve recognition as individual
appellations.
In August 2006 the federal
government granted recognition to the following seven appellations:
Alta Mesa AVA- Located
in northern central Lodi, it is distinguished by its mesa-like elevation. The
area is composed of dense heavy clay soils and gravel soils, and is the second
warmest area in Lodi. Alta Mesa is typically planted red grape
varieties.
Borden Ranch AVA - Located in east central Lodi, it is
the most topographically diverse area of the Lodi Appellation with elevations
ranging from 73 feet in the west to 520 feet in the east. The region features
well drained, stone-laden soils that tend to produce well-structured red
wines.
Clements Hills AVA - Located in southeastern Lodi it is
characterized by rolling hills and cliffs at the base of the Sierra Foothills.
It is generally warmer and wetter than western Lodi and is particularly prized
for growing red varieties.
Cosumnes River AVA - Noted for a
relatively cool and windy growing season this appellation is located in the
northwestern corner of Lodi. Relatively low-elevation and alluvial soils, the
AVA is noted for its white wine varieties.
Jahant AVA - The
smallest of the Lodi appellations it is uniquely defined by its pink
Rocklin-Jahant loam soils. Jahant's climate is cool and dry due to its
proximity to the Mokelumne River and Sacramento Delta, and relatively low
elevations.
Mokelumne River AVA - The historical center of the
Lodi wine growing region. Located in central Lodi it is noted for its fine
sandy soils and boasts many of the regions famed Old Vine Zinfandel
vineyards.
Sloughouse AVA - Located in the northeastern corner it
is the warmest or Lodi's appellations. Elevations rise to 590 feet and
Sloughouse is noted for its diverse topography and low vigor soils. It receives
the least cooling from San Francisco bay breezes that funnel up the Sacramento
Delta.
Be on the lookout for these
new Lodi AVA's on your favorite wines in the near future.
Technical Data on the Seven
Appellations of Lodi |
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