Summer Wine Thoughts

compiled by MICHAEL PERRY

Enjoy a glass of wine this summer. Whether you’re considering wine as a cocktail before dinner or wine with your dinner, in the San Joaquin Valley first thoughts are usually of something cool and refreshing. 

So what options do you have when looking for that perfect summer wine? Thankfully, the options are endless with a variety of different styles being made in red, white, and rosé wines.

Seek out lighter-style wines with nice fruit balanced by proper acidity and if oak aged, moderate oak influence. Avoid big, structured, young wines. Save those for big complex meals and cooler temperatures.

We’ve gathered a variety of Lodi wines that will satisfy your warm weather wine cravings.

Uvaggio 2008 Moscato

An aromatic white with citrus, melon, and floral notes, and dry, no residual sugar. ($14)

 

 

 

 

Grady Family Vineyards 2008 Shenanigans Pinot Grigio

Nice fruit, a little sweetness, and good acidity to balance the sweetness. ($14)

 

 

 

 

Vicarmont Vineyards and Winery 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp and fresh with hints of melon and cut grass. ($13)

 

 

 

 

Abundance 2007 Bountiful Blanc

Made from Sauvignon Blanc and Symphony grapes, this wine has a nice balance between acidity and sweetness. ($11)

 

 

Heritage Oak 2009 Chardonnay

Not your typical California-style chardonnay, this chardonnay is crisp and clean tasting with hints of peach and apple. Since the wine did not barrel age (wood flavors and aromas) or go through malo-lactic fermentation (buttery), you get to know the true aromas and flavors of this noble grape. ($15)

 

 

 

Mokelumne Glen Vineyards 2008 Dry Gewürztraminer

A unique wine with grapefruit and Lychee nut flavors and aromas accented by rose petal and floral notes. Nice acidity and a spicy finish linger in this dry Alsatian-style white. ($15)

 

 

 

Peltier Station 2008 Hy-brid Chardonnay

Like the Heritage Oak Chardonnay, this wine is crisp and clean. Without barrel aging, the wine’s flavor stands on its own. ($9)

 

 

Bokisch 2008 Rosato

Aromas of strawberry and red berry fruit highlight this very fresh, bright tasting, dry rosé. ($12)

 

 

 

 

Vino Con Brio 2008 Aglianico

This Italian varietal is a first for Vino Con Brio and is only available through the winery itself and the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center. Lots of cherry and berry-like fruit with soft tannins and a modest oak contribution. The wine is on the lighter side and ready to drink. ($26)

 

 

 

Alta Mesa Cellars 2007 Tempranillo

A fruit-forward style with a little spice and earth and a velvety smooth finish. ($18)