HOW LODI PRODUCES THE WINES WE LOVE

The Lodi wine region has been one of California’s best-kept secrets for decades. However, in recent years, this small town and the surrounding area in the northern portion of California’s Central Valley has been gaining notoriety around the world for their exceptional wines leading some to ask, “What is it about this area that creates these delicious wines?”

Established in 1869, as Mokelumne, and later changed in 1874 to what we now know as Lodi, CA, was once described as a sea level region and, “an abundant paradise.” Resting peacefully between the Sierra Nevada foothills and the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta, the area has given birth to what has been steadfastly becoming known as some of the best wines California has to offer, especially their old vine Zinfandels.

Lodi is an area historically rich in agriculture. This Northern California area’s humble beginnings are still prevalent to this day; allowing for a welcoming, customer-service forward visit. From the farm to table style restaurants and boutique shops in the Downtown district to the owner operated wineries surrounding the region, Lodi offers an experience most wine lovers will appreciate.

Beyond a culture that values its visitors, what other factors contribute to Lodi’s ability to produce various exceptional wines? 

The two-part answer will first bring us down to the nitty-gritty: dirt. The soil of the Stockton-Lodi area is comprised of granitic-based minerals, one in which the grape vines of this region have flourished throughout the years. This fertile soil, known as sandy-loam, possesses a talcum powder like consistency and is heavily infused with the minerals needed for vines to produce the grapes distinct to this California region.Along with fertile soil, the City of Lodi is geographically located in one of the best areas to mimic a dry Mediterranean climate. The dry, hot summers, which have become synonymous in the wine world for producing delicious grapes, are also followed by cooler temperate seasons that involve rainy winters. Most of California fits this bill but not quite in the way Lodi and its surrounding area does, especially when coupled with the sandy loam soil for which the area is known. An additional contributor are the cool nights lending their hand and allowing the grapes to develop thicker skins and housing richer flavor and color for the intended wines.

Though we could stop there, we must humbly acknowledge the talented winemakers in the area as well. With no need to conform to the mainstream wine ideals, there is much room left to play with nature’s gifts. Many red and white blends coming from the area display wines full of flavor and texture that leave us wanting more. 

Jan 10, 2022 at 4:15 PM Permalink

WINE CRYSTALS POSE NO THREAT TO YOU NOR THE QUALITY OF YOUR WINE

 Wine crystals are relatively misleading to those who are unfamiliar with them. It  is often believed that these crystals are hardened sediment, cork rot, or broken  glass fragments from the bottle itself. As it turns out, these beautifully formed  crystals are anything but the aforementioned.

 The crystals in question are actually what is known in the wine community as  tartrate crystals and often referred to as “cream of tartar,” “wine crystals,” or  “wine diamonds.” These crystal deposits form on the cork of a sealed wine bottle  when tartaric acid and potassium, naturally found in all grapes, are bonded  together during exposure to extreme temperatures, a process known as cold  stabilization.

 Cold stabilization extracts potassium bitartrate from the wine itself and helps to achieve flavors and aromas in wines. However, it should be noted it is important not to allow the wine to be exposed to such an extreme temperature for too long as the process has the potential to completely strip the wine of all aromas and flavors.

Many who find wine crystals in their wine should not be worried. The presence of the crystals pose no threat to the quality of the wine itself nor do they alter the flavor of the wine once the processing is complete. Consuming wine crystals is completely safe as well and possesses only a slightly bitter aftertaste when chewed.

Some wine lovers may find they are not keen on seeing the crystals in their wine. If seeking a way to remove the wine crystals, wine makers advise using cheesecloth to strain any unwanted diamonds or decanting the last quarter-bottle of the wine itself.

Jan 3, 2022 at 8:52 AM Permalink