Four Rut-Busting Red Wines From Lodi California

It is time get out of your Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel wine rut, and discover some new favorites! With over 100 grape varieties being grown in the region, and winemakers willing to experiment with grape varieties, Lodi can help you with that!

Here are four Lodi red wines crafted from lesser known grape varieties to try.

2015 Klinker Brick Winery Syrah is a full-bodied wine with blackberry, black currant, baking spice cacao character with a slightly earthy undertone. Enjoy with grilled meats and mushrooms!

2016 M2 Wines Estate Tannat is made from vines growing behind the tasting room.  Tannat is a red wine grape historically grown in southwest France.  The wine is medium-bodied with a plum, blackberry, and blueberry character. If you enjoy Malbec, give this wine a try! As a bonus, it’s also reputed to be a wine high in the healthy antioxidant resveratrol!

2015 Paskett Winery Charbono is made from a rare grape variety grown in the alpine Savoie region of France. This is a medium-bodied wine with dark, somewhat brooding, rich berry character with muscular yet suave, well-rounded tannins. For a fun comparison, also try the rosé of Charbono!

2010 Peltier Winery and Vineyards Reserve Teroldego (tah-RAWL-de-go) is another wine made from a grape variety with Italian roots.  It has a bold but juicy dried cherry, raspberry and brown spice character with a hint of earth

Next month we’ll feature some Rut-Busting White wine. Until then, visit the wineries and try one of these wines.  We bet you’ll be back for more!