Page 29 - GV2020 Portfolio Master

LODI
Located directly east of San Francisco at the edge of the Sacramento River Delta, the Lodi
appellation is noted for its classic Mediterranean climate and its distinctive sandy soils that
provide the perfect environment for the production of world-class wines. The federal government
first approved the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1986, and over the past two decades
the number of "Lodi" labeled wines has skyrocketed. As the quality and recognition of Lodi
wines spread, local winegrowers began to recognize the wide variety of ecological differences
across the vastness of the Lodi AVA. These winegrowers sought to create sub-appellations that Tortoise Creek
better reflect the diversity of the land. Their efforts resulted in the most extensive historical and The concept with Tortoise Creek
science-based document outlining the diversity in climate, soil, topography, and elevation of any is to work with small farmers in
appellation ever to be submitted for federal approval. Their research concluded that seven distinct California who focus on
growing areas exist and deserve recognition as individual appellations. ~wine-searcher.com sustainable farming. Tortoise
Creek is handcrafted, small-
batch wines selected and blended
from growers who understand
Tortoise Creek (Lodi) winesellerltd.com this philosophy. In 2008, Mel and
Tortoise Creek Chardonnay Jam’s Blend Lodi 2017 $119.90 Janie Master joined forces with
the Sager family who own the
Tortoise Creek Sauvignon Blanc Cuvée Jean Central Coast 2017 $119.90 national importing company,
Winesellers, Ltd., and together
they have extended the range to
Tortoise Creek Mission Grove Pinot Noir California $119.90 consists of top quality
Chardonnay, Cabernet
Tortoise Creek Zinfandel Chelonian Lodi 2016 $119.90 Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel,
Tortoise Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Cherokee Lane Lodi 2016 $119.90 Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.
They are all blended to create the
best possible representation of the
varietal and offer remarkable
value.
MOKELUMNE RIVER
Mokelumne River AVA covers the south-west portion of the larger Lodi AVA, including the town
of Lodi itself. Mokelumne River is the historical heart of the Lodi appellation and is home to most
of Lodi's wineries, which produce concentrated red wines from old-vine Zinfandel. This was the
first area in Lodi to be planted with vines and it includes some 120-year-old Zinfandel vineyards.
These older vines produce wines with distinctive black-cherry and dark-fruit flavors which are
unique to the region. As in other parts of Lodi, many wines are made from Spanish grape varieties,
including Graciano, Carinena and Albariño. The AVA covers some 85,700 acres across the flat
Central Valley floor; almost half of this acreage is under vine. The climate is
classically Mediterranean, and both the river and the Sacramento Delta moderate the temperatures
here. The vineyards enjoy warm, sunny days followed by cooler evenings. Cool breezes in the
afternoon from the delta, lower temperatures in the area. Mokelumne River has deep, alluvial soils
made of sandy loam. These free-draining soils are ideal for quality viticulture – the vines are forced Klinker Brick
to forgo the production of foliage in favor of producing life-sustaining berries. These berries are Steve and Lori Felten, fifth
generation grape growers in the
typically more concentrated in color and sugars, leading to richer, more intense styles of wine. Lodi region, continue the
~wine-searcher.com tradition of cultivating “Old
Vine” Zinfandel vineyards that
Klinker Brick (Lodi) klinkerbrickwinery.com their ancestors planted in the
early 1900s. With roots in
Klinker Brick Albariño 2019 $143.90 Germany, Russia and later the
Dakotas, the family settled in
Lodi, first producing
Klinker Brick Rosé Bricks & Roses 2019 $143.90 watermelons. Recognizing that
(also available in 20L keg) the soil and climate were ideal for
growing grapes, they began to
Klinker Brick Red Blend 1850° 2016 (6pk) $131.90 plant varieties that included
(60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petit Sirah, 10% Zinfandel) Zinfandel, Tokay, Carignane, and
Alicante. For over one hundred
Klinker Brick Red Blend Brickmason 2016 $143.90 years, the family has cultivated
(80% Zinfandel, 10% Syrah, 5% Petit Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) the land with the aim of
Klinker Brick Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $191.90 91 WE producing top quality fruit.
Zinfandel was one of the first
(also available in 375mL) grape varieties to be planted in
Klinker Brick Syrah Farrah Vineyard 2016 $191.90 the Lodi appellation, although it
Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel 2016 $191.90 90 WE had also been established in other
parts of California.
Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel Marisa Vyd 2016 (6pk) $131.90
Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel Old Ghost 2016 (6pk) $185.90

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