Back in the Fall, I discovered a new wine region…Lodi, California. Just 100 miles east of San Francisco, it has been flourishing since 1850. Lodi is predominately a red wine-producing region and is the self-proclaimed Zinfandel Capital of the World, producing over 32% of California’s premium Zinfandel. But the region also grows 20-30 different white wine grapes.

This week I was treated to a virtual tour of five of those wines…I always love finding a new Summer White!

Due to its unique Mediterranean climate, Lodi can produce a full range of white wines. From mineral-laden Iberian wines like Garnacha Blanca to rare, food-friendly varieties like Gewürztraminer, to classic staples like Sauvignon Blanc, to full-bodied, exotically scented versions of Viognier – Lodi has it all when it comes to world-class white wines.

Here is the line-up I tried…

• 2013 Borra Vineyards Artist Series Nuvola Gewürztraminer (SRP $19): Nuvola, Italian for cloud, is full of lemon, lychee and green apple. An interesting American Gewürtz for sure!
• 2013 Bokisch Vineyards Garnacha Blanca Vista Luna Vineyard (SRP $18)
• 2013 Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards Viognier (SRP $23): This is Lodi’s only dedicated white wine winery. The Viognier is full of peach, honey and tangerine served up in a gorgeous bottle imported from France.
• 2013 Heritage Oak Winery Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $18): This white is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sauvignon Musquee making a very citrusy wine.
• 2012 Uvaggio Moscato Secco (SRP $14): Uvaggio winery is located in Napa but only sources from Lodi. This dry Moscato (‘secco’) has notes of gardenia, jasmine and tropical fruits.

My personal favorite of the five…

2013 Bokisch Vineyards Garnacha Blanca Vista Luna Vineyard

  • Region: Lodi, California
  • Variety: 90% Garnacha Blanca, 10% Albarino
  • Aroma: Fuji apple and grapefruit
  • Taste: Peach, ripe melon, apricot and agave
  • Price: $18
  • My thoughts: Love this wine! Funnily enough it was the one I picked to open prior to the tasting AND it turned out to be my favorite. Not a drop is left! Markus Bokisch has been heard to say: “I love Lodi because Lodi reminds me of Spain.” This wine is Certified Green by the Lodi Rules of Sustainable Winegrowing.

Definitely a region worth checking out for red and white wines.

Cheers to Summer Whites!