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Letters from Lodi

An insightful and objective look at viticulture and winemaking from the Lodi
Appellation and the growers and vintners behind these crafts. Told from the
perspective of multi-award winning wine journalist, Randy Caparoso.

Randy Caparoso
 
March 28, 2015 | Randy Caparoso

The Mokelumne River Viticultural Area (part 2) – winemakers talk dirty

Trench dug in the Mokelumne River AVA’s historic Bechthold Vineyard; showing the depth of fine sandy loam soil

Continued from The Mokelumne River Viticultural Area (part 1)

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Time Posted: Mar 28, 2015 at 11:35 AM
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Randy Caparoso
 
March 26, 2015 | Randy Caparoso

The Mokelumne River Viticultural Area (part 1)

Bokisch Ranches' Las Cerezas Vineyard (planted to Spanish varieties) in Mokelumne River AVA

Bokisch Ranches’ Las Cerezas Vineyard (planted to Spanish varieties) in Lodi’s Mokelumne River AVA

Boundaries, heart and soul

The Mokelumne River AVA (American Viticultural Area) is one of the seven sub-appellations located within the larger Lodi AVA established in August 2006 by the TTB (the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Tax and Trade Bureau).

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Time Posted: Mar 26, 2015 at 12:07 PM
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Randy Caparoso
 
March 18, 2015 | Randy Caparoso

Elegant styles of Lodi Zinfandel

2014 Zinfandel in McCay's Lot 13 Vineyard

2014 Zinfandel in McCay's Lot 13 Vineyard

In our previous post (Is Zinfandel breaking out?) we cited a number of wine industry professionals who truly believe that Zinfandel can be made in more restrained, elegant styles – not unlike the finest Pinot Noirs or Burgundies – and that, in fact, we are beginning to see a paradigm shift towards that direction.

What are some of the more elegant styles of Zinfandel coming out of the Lodi Viticultural Area today?

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Time Posted: Mar 18, 2015 at 8:00 AM
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Randy Caparoso
 
March 16, 2015 | Randy Caparoso

Is Zinfandel breaking out, or just a case of measles?

2015 ZAP Media & Trade Tasting

2015 ZAP Media & Trade Tasting

This past January 28-31, Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (a.k.a. ZAP) held its 24th full-scale "Experience" in San Francisco's Presidio, with the theme: Zinfandel is a rising star… reach out and grab it.

Zinfandel, of course, has always been a longtime star in the varietal market. In fact, Zinfandel's dominance in California vineyards dates back well nigh into the 1850s. So what exactly does ZAP mean with the implication that Zinfandel is still "rising?"

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Time Posted: Mar 16, 2015 at 8:00 AM
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Randy Caparoso
 
March 11, 2015 | Randy Caparoso

The expansion and controversial division of the Lodi Viticultural Area

Trellised vines along Lodi's Mokelumne River

Trellised vines along Lodi's Mokelumne River

Continuation of a Part 1: The origins of the Lodi Viticultural Area

In 1991, some 600 Lodi AVA growers came together to form the self-mandated Lodi-Woodbridge Wine Commission (now called the Lodi Winegrape Commission) for the purpose of regional promotion, education and viticultural research. This would be a momentous development, playing a crucial role in Lodi’s current status as a winegrowing region of note.

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Time Posted: Mar 11, 2015 at 8:00 AM
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March 4, 2015 | Randy Caparoso

The origins of the Lodi Viticultural Area

Lodi American Viticulture Areas

Lodi American Viticulture Areas

The ATF received a petition for a Lodi AVA from a group called the Lodi District Vintners Association in August 1982, which went through an approval process lasting nearly four years before finally being granted in February 1986.

What is an American Viticultural Area – commonly abbreviated as AVA – and why should you care?

There are many types of wines grown and produced around the world. The vast majority of commercial wines are, in fact, made by brands or producers endeavoring to put out products that are of a consistent quality and affordably priced.

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Time Posted: Mar 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM
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