Rick’s Skinny [email protected] May 2015

“Wine is sunlight…held together by water!” (Galileo Galilei)

The Low Down on Lodi! only been over the last ten years or so that Lodi What’s that you say? What’s a Lodi?! No…it’s sourced have exploded in popularity and not a Star Wars character! That would be begun occupying lots of space on the shelves of Lowbacca…Wookie’s and Chewbacca’s shops coast to coast. While Lodi has been nephew…but don’t feel too badly…as you’re not known and recognized mostly for its vibrant and the only one who might not know the low down über-lush Old Vine wines, more than on Lodi! First, Lodi – pronounced lo ´ - dye by 45 grape varietals are actually grown there. the way -- is not a what! Lodi is a place…both a city and an American Viticultural Area (AVA) that is situated in ’s huge Central Valley. By way of context, Napa and Sonoma are also AVAs…and though you might never have heard of Lodi or know where Lodi is, know this – Lodi winegrowers and winemakers are making some of the best and most amazing wines coming out of California these days!! Honest!

For all intents and purposes, the Lodi AVA is located about 60 miles east of San Francisco

In 2006, the Feds approved the designation of seven viticultural Appellations within Lodi – Alta Mesa, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Cosumnes River, Jahant, Mokelumne River, and Sloughhouse. And while these specific growing regions aren’t yet rolling off the tongues of aficionados who are quick to mention the likes of Carneros, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek, Howell and Spring Mountain Districts, etc…that will certainly happen over time.

Lodi Wines to Look For Here are some of the names of Lodi wineries and labels you should look for and try: Oak Ridge Winery (OZV, Old Soul and Moss Roxx); Scotto Cellars (Regio Dark Wine and Zinfandel); Klinkerbrick (Old Ghost); Macchia; McCay; Michael-David; Peirano Estate; Abundance;

Lange Twins; Heritage Oak; and St. Amant. and about 40 miles south of Sacramento. Lodi has been an official AVA since 1986…but it’s Look for Lodi on the label folks…and enjoy! Toast of the Month Feliz Cinco de Mayo! ¡ !

“¡Arriba! (raise glass), ¡Abajo! (lower glass), ¡Al centro! (hold the glass in front of you), ¡Pa’ dentro! (or ¡Adentro!) (drink from glass). It boils down to -- Up, Down, in the Middle…then Inside!” ¡Salud! (Traditional Cinco de Mayo Toast)

The Monthly Bunch

Reds Rosés Zinfandel Charles and Charles Rosé 2014 Old Soul – 2013 Succulent & Mouthwatering…Totally Delicious! Succulent, Sensual and Sensational! (Columbia Valley, Walla Walla, WA) $11-$13 (Lodi AVA, -- Lodi, CA)/$14-$16) The “Charles and Charles” refers to Charles Bieler There’s something about the name of this incredibly and Charles Smith – two of the smartest and best delicious Zinfandel that resonates with a lot of winemaking “wise guys” you could ever meet. Mr. people…because we all respect our elders. But to Smith is known for his eponymous Charles Smith really appreciate the Old Soul Zin for all that it Wines…while Mr. Bieler is known more for being a is…you’ll have to pop that cork, pour yourself a winemaking renegade! He’s also one of the nice full glass, kick back, then sip away as you infamous Three Thieves Winemaking team – with contemplate the world and its amazing splendor! Joel Gott and Roger Scommegna being the others. Whoever originated the term “dry Rosé” must have been That’s what old souls do best…for they’ve paid sipping a wine just like this ruby pink jewel! With a their dues, earned their keep…and they deserve the floral nose and fruit-salad palate of flavor, this is a sassy best that life has to offer. Made with intensely but savory blend of Rhone mainstays – 72% , 8% flavorful fruit from very old vines…and accentuated , 8% Mourvèdre, 6 % , with an infusion of and Petite Sirah, this is 3% Cinsault, and 3% Counoise. It is both a great one jewel of a wine…and a perfect example of why Summer porch wine and an exceptional food wine! Zinfandel is America’s grape and America’s wine! http://bielerandsmith.com/ http://www.oakridgewinery.com/ White Blends Sauv ignon Blanc OZV Red Blend 2013 Douglas Green Wines The Beach House 2014 Rich, Inky Dark, Bold, and Grippingly Good! Mouthwatering, Crisp and Dazzling Delish! (Lodi AVA, -- Lodi, CA) $14-$16 (Western Cape, South Africa)/$9-$11 – Wow was Wow…just wow! With the huge number of red the first word that came from my lips when I tasted blends on the shelves these days…there’s a certain this absurdly delicious marriage of 80% Sauvignon degree of sameness amongst them…and it’s a Blanc and 20% Semillon. It’s somewhat challenge to find one that stands above the rest. reminiscent of the famous Bordeaux white Well look no further…OZV is one Red Blend that blends…but with no Muscadelle, it’s less dry. meets that challenge…in spades! Made from an Douglas Green’s winemaking philosophy and unspecified apportionment of Zinfandel, Cabernet approach are all focused on conceiving and Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah...this lightly producing palate-pleasing “artistic creations.” And oaked, rich and silky union of Lodi-sourced fruit is for what it’s worth, this slightly off-dry modernist a mouthful and a half…and the combination of its expression of two classic varietals merits a Blue fruit-forward nature and tame tannins make this a Ribbon from this judge! It is super flavorful, distinctive and simply wonderful red blend. wonderfully versatile and an incredible value! http://www.oakridgewinery.com/ http://www.douglasgreenwines.com/our-wines Rick’s Signature Sangrias

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The beauty of these basic Sangria recipes is that they are as delicious as they are easy to make. And they just get better as you personalize them with your own ambitious mixtures of ingredients! From my experience, it’s “almost” impossible to add a wrong ingredient here…so just think about favorite fruits, distilled spirits and liqueurs that typically mix well…and have a ball concocting your personalized Signature Sangria! There is no drink recipe in the world that is more versatile and risk-free than Spain’s most famous export -- their universally popular punch of life…Sangria! ¡Olé!

Sangria Rojo INGREDIENTS: • 1 Bottle of red wine -- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, , Monastrell, Garnacha, , , etc. Even Lambrusco or a “Sweet Red” wine is fine, but you might not need added sugar! For a lighter Sangria, you may want to use a Rosado or a Rosé – a pink or blush wine! • 1 Lemon cut into wedges • 1 Orange cut into wedges • 1 Lime cut into wedges • 8 to 12 Maraschino Cherries – no stems • 2 Tbsp sugar • 2 (maybe 3…OK 4 or 5) Shots Brandy, Apple Jack, Apfel Schnapps, a “designer” flavored Vodka, Rum (White, Dark or Spiced), or Ruby Port. In any case, just be sure to taste as you concoct! • 2 Cups Ginger Ale or Lemon-lime Soda…or Club Soda for a less sweet Sangria. Adding Cava, Champagne or other Sparkling wine instead makes it Sangria Rojo Espumante! •

Sangria Blanco INGREDIENTS: • 1 Bottle of white wine (, Albarino, Torrontes, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, , Chablis, , etc., etc.…even if you insist…but I’d stay away from if I were you!) • 1 Lemon cut into wedges • 1 Orange cut into wedges • 1 Lime cut into wedges • 8 to 12 Maraschino Cherries – no stems • ½ Cup Sugar (feel free to add more once you taste test…just be sure to stir well and dissolve it all!) • 2 (maybe 3) Shots Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or other Orange Liqueur – taste as you concoct! • 2 Cups Ginger Ale or Lemon-lime Soda…or Club Soda for less sweet Sangria. Adding Cava, Champagne or other Sparkling wine instead makes it Sangria Blanco Espumante!

INGREDIENT VARIATIONS: For either Sangria Rojo or Sangria Blanco, don’t hesitate to consider using fresh sliced strawberries, peaches, apples, a handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, or pineapple, a shot or two of vodka, gin, brandy, or rum, a cup of ginger beer, 7 Up/Sprite, or extra fruit juice of your choice, etc., etc.! Famed Chicago Master Sommelier Alpana Singh even suggests a couple of Cinnamon Sticks! It’s time to create your very own Sangria Obra Maestra – a Sangria Masterpiece!

PREPARATION: Pour wine into a large pitcher or punch bowl and squeeze the juice wedges from the lemon, orange and lime into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds to the extent possible) and add sugar and selected spirits. CHILL OVERNIGHT if you can…for it makes it so much better...and add ginger ale, club soda or sparkling wine just before serving..over lots of ice! If you can't wait for the overnight component and would like to serve it right away, start with chilled wines if possible and/or stir in a handful of ice cubes. After it’s mixed…pour over lots of ice and ENJOY! ¡Salud!