A Celebration of Zinfandel

This month’s top picks from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center

complied by MICHAEL PERRY  

Of all the different grape varieties made into wine, Zinfandel is the one most people consider California’s native grape. While it has been proven that Zinfandel is native to Croatia (Slovenia), its long and colorful history in this state has given it ‘favorite son’ status, and Lodi has recently been at the forefront of Zinfandel production.

Zinfandel is picked late in the harvest season, providing optimal maturity. Known for its bright, fresh fruit aromas and flavors as well as its spiciness, black pepper, and oak nuances, it is a wonderfully complex wine great for sipping but equally comfortable at the dinner table.

Lodi Zinfandels cover a variety of styles—look for these and many more during the month of May. Be sure to mark your calendar and save the weekend of May 14-16 to attend Lodi’s ZinFest: Wine, Food, and Fun at Lodi Lake.

Lighter Style

Benson Ferry 95240 “Old Vine” Zinfandel
Campus Oaks “Old Vine” Zinfandel
Ironstone Reserve “Old Vine” Zinfandel

Medium Body

St. Amant Mohr-Fry “Old Vine” Zinfandel
Macchia Mischievous “Old Vine” Zinfandel
Michael-David 7 Deadly Zins “Old Vine” Zinfandel

Medium to Full Body

Harney Lane Lizzy James “Old Vine” Zinfandel
M2 Soucie Vineyard “Old Vine” Zinfandel
KlinkerBrick Old Ghost “Old Vine” Zinfandel

For more information: Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, and taste from a selection of over two hundred award-winning Lodi wines. 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com