When Large is Small

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

complied by MICHAEL PERRY  

Several Lodi wineries produce large quantities of wine that are nationally and internationally distributed. These wines are often thought of as only value-oriented, so when the time comes to select a wine for a special gift or occasion, wine drinkers tend to look elsewhere.

What can a winery do to change this? The simple answer is to think small. Give the winemaker the freedom to produce limited-quantity wines for tasting and purchase only at the winery. These wines usually receive special handling, such as additional barrel aging, and most are produced as varietals. Or a winemaker might purchase grapes from a very special vineyard and use the vineyard designation on the label, tools normally reserved for smaller lots of wine.

Another option is for a large winery to enter a value-oriented wine in the right competition and win a major award. This fact alone will create the impression of quality and demand for the wine.  Here are a few examples you might want to try. Enjoy!

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2007 Tempranillo

A wonderful representation of Tempranillo, varietal character abounds with red cherry, spice rack, earth, and oak aromas and flavors in a medium body, ready-to-drink red. Think barbequed ribs for this wine. ($14) www.woodbridgewines.com

 

Ironstone Vineyards Reserve 2008 “Rous Vineyards” Old Vine Zinfandel

A beautiful garnet-red color with good clarity, this vineyard designate (Rous Vineyards) is made from grapes from 100 year-old vines. The wine has vibrant aromas and flavors of tart, bright berry and red cherry fruit with hints of black pepper. This medium-bodied red is ready to drink and is a perfect accompaniment to pasta with red sauce or lightly grilled foods. ($24) www.ironstonevineyards.com

Talus Collection 2007 Zinfandel

Every other year the Lodi Winegrape Commission selects the Top 12 Zinfandels of Lodi—last May, Talus Zinfandel was so honored. This wine is a perfect balance of fruit, spice, and oak. The finish of red berries and spice lingers and invites you to enjoy another glass. Lightly grilled meats and vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to this well-made Zinfandel. ($7) www.taluscollection.com 

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2008 Marsanne

One of the more obscure Rhone white grapes planted in California, this Marsanne is light gold and crystal clear. Tropical fruit and floral notes dominate the aroma with just a hint of oak. The wine has a rich mouth-feel from sur-lie aging (wine aging in barrel with the lees) and citrus flavors that linger. The finish is long and crisp with a hint of spicy oak. The wine is a perfect appetizer wine and pairs well with pasta with creamy white sauce, seafood, and chicken. ($12) www.woodbridgewines.com

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