Lodi's Winegrape Heritage

This month's picks from the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center

Lodi Wine Country has firmly established itself in the minds of wine consumers everywhere. Good wines do not happen by accident and require one very important element: good winegrapes.

Lodi has been producing winegrapes since the 1850's, when Tokay was the grape variety of choice. Zinfandel made its first appearance in Lodi, courtesy of Italian immigrants, in 1860. Grapes for wine production thrived during prohibition as home winemakers were allowed to produce 200 gallons for private consumption, and Lodi grapes were sent by railcar all over the country.

In the 1960's consumer tastes began to change. They began to prefer table wines to sweet wines, and then later, quality varietal wines. A varietal wine boom occurred in California and changed the grape growing landscape of Lodi. Tokay was uprooted and replaced by varieties that were becoming more popular.

Today, Lodi growers farm more than 100,000 acres of winegrapes. They grow more Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Pinot Gris than any other region in California.

One thing has not changed since the early days, Lodi grapes are still being sold to wineries all over California and all over the country. There's no better testament to quality than to have wineries purchase the fruit, make wine, and put Lodi on the label.

Try one of these 'out-of-area wineries' producing great Lodi wines. Enjoy!

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

Urbano Cellars 2007 5-Barrel

A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Tempranillo, 5-Barrel offers aromas of coffee, cedar, and dark berry fruit with flavors of tart red berries, spice, and oak. The wine’s soft tannins and medium body work harmoniously leading to a pleasant finish that lingers. This is a nice wine for lightly grilled meats and vegetables. ($18) Urbano Cellars is located in Emeryville.

Daou Vineyards 2007 "Old Vine" Zinfandel

Blended with 5 percent Syrah, Daou Zinfandel has aromas and flavors reminiscent of holiday spices, berry jam, vanilla, black pepper, and cedar. The Daou Zinfandel has a smooth, elegant mouthfeel and finish. Pastas, burgers, and anything grilled or barbecued will work well with this moderate-style Zinfandel. ($29) Daou Vineyards is located in Paso Robles.

Trinitas Cellars 2006 ratZINger Zinfandel

This medium to full bodied Zinfandel exhibits flavors and aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and dusty earth. A solid tannin structure gives way to great mouthfeel and a lasting finish. Pair with barbecue, heavier pastas, and pizza. ($22) Trinitas Cellars is located in Napa.

Hullabaloo 2008 Zinfandel

This Zinfandel is on the lighter side with fresh fruit aromas and flavors of red cherry, blackberry, black pepper, and modest oak accents. A nice mouthfeel and lingering finish add to the enjoyment. Enjoy with your favorite pasta. ($14) Hullabaloo Zinfandel is produced by Nine North Wine Company of St. Helena.

FEATURED WINE

The Berghold family name dates back to the 1600’s in Austria where it has been traced back to the meaning of "vineyard worker." This ancestral fact may explain the current Berghold family’s passionate pursuit to produce only the finest winegrapes and estate wines.

The Berghold family has been growing winegrapes in Lodi since 1986. Today, the estate is an assemblage of three contiguous vineyards totaling 85 acres of Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel. The family has been selling winegrapes to a number of fine wineries, including some based in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Winery owners Joe and Kay Berghold are collectors at heart. For nearly two decades, the couple purchased and stored antiques from the American Victorian period (1860-1900) with a goal in mind – to build an architecturally unique winery and tasting room representative of the era of the pieces in their collection - and the same era of beginning of Lodi wine history. That dream is now a reality at Berghold Vineyards and Winery.

17343 N. Cherry Road
Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 333-9291
www.bergholdvineyards.com