Elegant styles of Lodi Zinfandel

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?

Mar 18, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

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

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?"

Mar 16, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

The expansion and controversial division of the Lodi Viticultural Area

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.

Mar 11, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

The origins of the Lodi Viticultural Area

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.

Mar 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Borra is releasing an intriguing Lodi Vermentino

Borra Vineyards winemaker Markus Niggli in Gill Creek Ranch Vermentino planting

Among the many alternative white wine grapes cultivated in Lodi in recent years, Vermentino might hold the most intriguing promise.

Feb 26, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Celebrated winemaker David Ramey releases his first Lodi grown Kerner

Celebrated winemaker David Ramey; with daughter Claire Ramey, who assists in winery

David Ramey, owner of the acclaimed, Sonoma-based David Ramey Wine Cellars – known for peerless Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons – has been one of America's most respected winemakers since the 1980s and '90s, when he did groundbreaking work at wineries like Matanzas Creek Winery, Chalk Hill Estate, and “super” Napa Valley wineries like Dominus Estate and Rudd Oakville Estate.

Feb 23, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Mikami proves that world class Zinfandel can come off young trellised vines

Mike Manna, Jason Mikami and Kian Tavakoli with split-canopy, close-spaced trellised Mikami Vineyards Zinfandel

Everybody knows that the best Zinfandels come from ancient, gnarly, head trained vines. Not.

Try telling that to Jason Mikami, the owner/grower of Lodi's Mikami Vineyards. Or to Mr. Mikami's Vineyard Manager, Mike Manna – President/CEO of Manna Ranch Inc., one of Lodi's most important vineyard management companies (cultivating over 2,600 acres) – or Kian Tavakoli, Mikami's talented winemaker, who is based in Napa Valley.

Feb 18, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink

The fruits of Borra’s Manuel Maldonado’s labors

Borra Vineyard Manager Manuel Maldonado doing 2015 pruning (photo courtesy of Borra Vineyards)

Wine, it is often said, is made in the vineyard. Which sometimes brings up the jocular comment: then why the heck do we need wineries?

Well, good wine does come out of wineries. But it also needs hands – lots and lots of hands of men and women with the work ethic, talent and creative juices to turn grapes into something magical in the glass.

Feb 17, 2015 at 8:00 AM Permalink