877.812.1137

lodi

Tentative Arrival Dates

We are working on finalizing our prices, we will have them finished by next week.

As of now, we are on track to receive grapes from Central Valley and Fresh Juice the week after Labor Day. Our grapes from Lodi, CA will start arriving around September 11th. Lanza grapes will start arriving in mid-September. Washington State should start to arrive in early to mid-October. The Fresco Juices and Italian Juices should arrive by the first week in October.

We will be open 7 days a week beginning the weekend of September 9th.

We are looking forward to working with you this season. Please keep an eye out for Emails, the Harvest Tracker, the MWG Blog, and our Social Media for more information.

2023 Harvest Report

wine grapes

Every year we work to bring you the highest quality products at the best prices. This season we have done just that. We have some new vineyards being added to the portfolio that will knock your socks off! And there will be new wine grapes available from the high-quality, reliable sources you’ve come to know and love.

Let’s get started with the Harvest Report!

To keep up to date on harvest dates check in with us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

THE GRAPES

Suisun Valley, CA – Lanza-Musto Vineyards: Suisun Valley was established in 1982 and is one of the oldest AVAs in California. Suisun Valley is home to a group of grape growers and winemakers who put their heart and soul into everything that they do. Located southeast of Napa Valley (sharing a county line), Suisun Valley lies in the foot slopes of good grape land between the picturesque Vaca Mountains to the east and St. George Range to the west. The Suisun Bay that connects to the San Francisco Bay sits to the south, lending a unique cooling coastal breeze. The soil is made up of volcanic rock, silt, sand, and clay allowing it to grow many different types of wine grapes; having over 28 varieties planted within this eight-mile-long and three-mile-wide AVA. We are expecting a high-quality year! The grapes got some decent rain, which resulted in fertile soils, nutrient-rich vines, and exceptional skin quality. The crop looks to be the size of a normal crop year, and we are currently on track for normal ripening and harvesting times. The Lanzas are introducing a new box, which will be sturdier with ample airflow for travel. We will have Barbera, Chardonnay, Cabernet (Clone 169, Clone 15, and Clone 8), Merlot, Malbec, Muscat Cannelli, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Tempranillo available this fall.

Lodi, CA – Home to some of our oldest standing contracts and relationships, Lodi is a premier wine region consistently on the rise. With the LODI RULES sustainability effort moving full force through the AVA, we have seen and continue to see great wine-producing fruit come out of Lodi. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of wine grapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act as a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain balanced acidity. This season we have a “new” Primitivo coming in. We were able to procure some of it last season, but this season we will have a good amount of Old Vine Primitivo. This vineyard was planted in 1902! Along with this special Primitivo, we will have fruit from Mettler Ranch, Costamagna Vineyards, Zinderella, Valley Beauty, and Contra Costa just to name a few. This season we should start to see Lodi fruit come off the vine in early September. It is looking to be a normal-sized crop with good-looking berry bunches and seed development. We should see Lodi fruit start coming off the vine in early September, hitting MWG’s dock around early-mid September.

Central Valley, CA– Central Valley is California’s agricultural heartland. It is composed of two valleys that stretch almost 500 miles down the center of the state. The Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley border on the east, by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The total acreage under wine grape cultivation in the Central Valley is around 895,000 acres. To say Central Valley is the leader in California’s wine grape production would be an understatement. With many sub-AVAs, the Central Valley offers a lot of delicious winemaking grapes with a lot of history. Some of the oldest grape vines in California are grown in Central Valley. Since it is a hotter region, these will be some of the first to come off the vine. If you are interested in Central Valley fruit be ready to crush after Labor Day.

Washington State– We are excited to be bringing you a new vineyard option from Washington this season – Candy Mountain AVA. One of Washington States’ newest AVAs, Candy Mountains’ south-facing slope sits just southeast of the Red Mountain AVA. At around 900 acres, it’s also the smallest AVA in the state. With outstanding growing conditions, it produces, rich fruit-forward grapes with nice minerality and tannins.  We will be bringing in Cabernet from Candy Mountain this season. It is looking like a lighter crop and an earlier season this year for Washington State. Candy Mountain is looking to harvest around September 25th, and Wahluke Merlot around the 1st week in October. The Wahluke Cabernet Franc should start to harvest around October 15th. Our Pinot Noir from Rattlesnake Hills should harvest the earliest, sometime around September 20th.

THE JUICES

We bring in juices from all over the world! Below is information regarding our juices and their availability this fall.

California Fresh Juice – We source premium California juice from all over the state. Winemaking juices are a great resource. You can make great wine without bulky equipment. Our fresh juices are ready to ferment when you get home. They have native yeast in them from the grape skins. You can let the native fermentation take place or you can inoculate with your preferred yeast.  Either way, you will have a delicious wine that is ready to drink sooner than later. *We always suggest adding yeast because of how long the juice traveled.

California Fresco Juice– The difference between the Fresco Juices and the Fresh Juices is that the Fresco Juices are inoculated with yeast, enzymes, and other “seasonings” that help the wines have a successful fermentation, better color, aromas, tannic structure, and mouthfeel. We call it the “set and forget” juice. It is a great product that produces high-end results.

Italian Fresh Juice– We source premium juices from Puglia and other regions of Italy. These juices create wines that resemble that of the old country. Wines full of flavor and history! They have native yeast in them from the grape skins. You can let the native fermentation take place or you can inoculate with your preferred yeast.  *We always suggest adding your own yeast because of how long the juice traveled.

Italian Fresco Juice– The difference between Fresco Juices and Fresh Juices is that the Fresco Juices are inoculated with yeast, enzymes, and other “seasonings” that help the wines have a successful fermentation, better color, aromas, tannic structure, and mouthfeel. We call it the “set and forget” juice. It is a great product that produces high-end results.

NY State – Our NY State portfolio offers hybrid winemaking juices in 5-gallon, 60-gallon, and 275-gallon sizes. Due to this season’s frost, we will not have as many varieties available. Please email or call Christina if you are interested in these juices.

As always Mother Nature can throw us a curve ball. To keep up to date on harvest dates check in with us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

Lodi Rules: Grow great grapes, make delicious wine, leave everything a little better than we found it

“May we farm in a way that meets the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to create their livelihoods.” – The LODI RULES motto.

Started in 2005, the LODI RULES certification program is a collective of growers who are focused on all thing’s sustainability. Many of these Lodi Farmers are 4th or 5th generation winegrowers who are focused on farming with the next 100 years in mind. We at Musto Wine Grape, are lucky enough to work with some of these amazing farmers – Mettler Ranch and Costamagna Vineyards. Look for the LODI RULES seal on the wine grape boxes this season.

LODI RULES seal-musto wine grape

LODI RULES growers use a unique risk model to quantify the environmental and human impact of all pesticides applied in the vineyard. This model considers the dietary risks to consumers, as well as the acute risk to farm workers; small aquatic invertebrates; birds; and bees; and bees and beneficial insects. The Lodi region has documented a great decline in the use of high-risk pesticides since 1992, thanks to sustainability adaption by farmers.

LODI RULES Sustainability Standards Overview:

  • Water: They carefully manage the quality and efficiency of their water, appreciating every drop
  • Soil: They do their part to make sure that soil – the foundation of the vineyard- thrives for generations to come
  • Community: They support the neighborhoods and schools around the farms
  • Ecosystem: They encourage biodiversity and act as stewards of the land
  • Pest Management: They us an integrated approach to pest management, which includes protecting beneficial insects and minimizing risks to birds, bees, water, and people
  • People: They make sure that their vineyards are a safe and rewarding place to work
  • Quality: They design farming practices to improve wine grape quality
  • Generational Farming: They farm with the next 100 years in mind

How is certified sustainable farming different than organic and biodynamic?

  • Organic and biodynamic farmers follow a set of practices related to the environment. Certified sustainable farming includes practices related to the environment, the people, and the business.

LODI RULES has over 100 sustainable practices included in its certification; with over 28,776 acres certified.

Over 150 wines bear the LR seal (Mettler Ranch & Costamagna being some of them!) A wine must contain 85% certified grapes to be the LR seal.

“Sustainability means leaving everything – people, places, etc.- as good as better than how we found it” – Kevin Philips, Michael David Winery

“When you drink a glass of wine made from LODI RULES certified grapes, you are supporting a farmer, a vintner, and an entire agricultural community that embraces their responsibility to care for the environment and the people”

This is a certification I think we can all get behind. Musto Wine Grape is grateful to be bringing in these grapes this season. If you are interested in grapes from the LODI RULES program, please give us a call at 877-812-1137 to pre-order. We are looking forward to assisting with your winemaking this fall!

Grapes Available from LODI RULES Certified Vineyards:

Mettler Ranch:

  • Barbera
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Grenache
  • Merlot
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Pinotage
  • Petite Sirah
  • Rousanne
  • Sangivoese
  • Syrah
  • Viognier
  • Zinfandel

Costamagna Vineyards:

  • Old Vine Primitivo
  • Cabernet
  • Merlot
  • Sangiovese
  • Barbera
  • Aglianico
  • Montelpulciano
  • Mourvedre
  • Nero D’Avola
  • Sagrantino

Cheers,

Christina Musto-Quick

Special Primitivo coming from fifth generation farmer Berton Costamagna

old vine primitivo_lodi rules_musto wine grape

Special Primitivo coming from fifth generation farmer Berton Costamagna

 

There is something very special about walking through this Primitivo vineyard for fifth generation farmer Berton Costamagna. “Since 1902 my family has been here in Lodi farming these wine grapes”, says Berton. “To think that my Nono (Great, Great, Great Grandfather) had the foresight to start a farming adventure back then, by planting his first vineyard of Primitivo here, and to see where it is now, is so inspiring to me.” With its sandy loams, and ideal climate, farmers back then quickly saw the potential for growing wine grapes in Lodi, in the heart of California. Fast forward 120 years, and Lodi California has come to be known as the Zinfandel Capital of the World, and is now one of the top producing AVA’s in the world. The Costamagna family has continued farming their family’s clone of Primitivo for all these years for wineries and home winemakers to enjoy with their families. “These grapes make for a great wine, but what is truly special, is these grapes connect us to the hard work, traditions, and memories of my family before me. My hope is that folks can make as many memories drinking the wine from these grapes as our family has made farming them.” 🍇🍷 We can’t wait to receive these grapes from the Costamagna Family!

 

How to Order
We are an old school company. Give us a call at 877-812-1137 or email us at sales@juicegrape.com to get the ball rolling on your pre-order. Don’t forget, we can create custom fermentation templates for you if you would like!
If you aren’t local to New England and need your product shipped, please email sales@juicegrape.com for a freight quote. We will be shipping out of our Bronx, NY location – D’Arrigo. If you live in the Metro NY area and are interested in a freight quote please reach out to sales@juicegrape.com
Unfortunately, we cannot ship fresh juice. We can ship our sterile juices (Original All Juice (juicegrape.com)), they ship year-round without refrigeration. This is the best option for home winemakers who cannot pick up the fresh product from MWG’s facilities.
If you have a large fresh product order (2,000lbs and up), please contact sales@juicegrape.com for a freight quote.
For more information regarding the Fall Harvest please feel free to contact us at sales@juicegrape.com  or give us a call at 877-812-1137. We are looking forward to helping you with your next great wine!
Sincerely,
Christina Musto
Musto Wine Grape Co.

A Guide to Cabernet Sauvignon

What is Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon - wine - winemaking - how to make wine

Known as the king of red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys the same regal status in California as it does in its native home of Bordeaux, France. Californian Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be more fruit-forward and mellow, with rich dark fruit notes. The most common aromatic and flavor components found in this varietal are plum, black cherry, blueberry as well as warm spice, vanilla, black pepper, and tobacco. Aside from being known for its dark color and full body, it’s known for often being over 13.5% in alcohol content. The average alcohol content of a Cab from California floats around 14.5%. At Musto Wine Grape we carry a variety of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from multiple AVAs in California, as well as all of the yeasts, nutrients, and equipment you’ll need.

What kind of yeast should I use when making Cabernet Sauvignon?

*Note that full expression of the desired characteristics for any of the following yeast strains is based on proper care and feeding if the yeasts, along with using quality fruit and good winemaking practices. It is also strongly recommended that Go-Ferm and Fermaid-K are used as well as temperature management throughout the entire fermentation. As always, if you need assistance with any part of your winemaking process, do not hesitate to reach out to us at sales@juicegrape.com or give us a call at (877) 812-1137 to speak with someone who can assist with any product recommendations, procedures, or problems.

BM45 yields a big mouthfeel, notes of cherry liquor, rose petal, jam, plum, berry as well as earthy and spicy elements. It offers color stability and helps to minimize vegetative characteristics.

BDX is an all-around great choice for berry, plum, and jam characteristics. It has a moderate fermenting rate and offers good color retention. By re-enforcing existing tannins, it develops structure in the wine. Because of this, we advise to not use with unripe fruit.

RP15 emphasizes the berry aspects of the fruit, along with color stability, increased mouthfeel, and agreeable tannins.

D254 yields a big mouthfeel and rounds tannins as well as intense fruit. It has a focus on berry and jam characteristics, but more so of dried fruit than fresh. It’s also great for color stability and adds body to blends.

D80 offers big volume and fine grain tannins. It is great for encouraging more positive tannin intensity to a blend.

Where do you source your Cabernet Sauvignon from?

We offer Cabernet Sauvignon from multiple AVA’s within California and Washington:

Lanza-Musto Vineyards in Suisun Valley, CA (Valley, 169, 15, and Koch)

Mettler Family Ranch in Lodi, CA

Napa Valley, CA

Washington State (Clone 33)

Sonoma County, CA (Chalk Hill)

Amador, CA

King’s River, CA

Paso Robles, CA

Central Valley, CA

Is there a certain winemaking procedure specific to Cabernet Sauvignon?

You can follow our Red Wine Grape Procedure which you can find here, if you are using juice you can find the procedure here and if you are using frozen must, here. The procedure is standard for making red wines, but using the proper yeasts and nutrients specific for Cabernet Sauvignon and consistent monitoring will have the biggest impact on your final wine.

Where can I buy grapes, juice, or must?

At Musto Wine Grape Company, all red grape varieties are available in 36lb cases, in frozen must by request, or in 6-gallon fresh juice pails. For Sterile Juice options that can be shipped year-round and without refrigeration click here.

Finally, if you need the best options and equipment suited for you and your winemaking goals, email sales@juicegrape.com or call (877) 812 – 1137 to speak with one of our Musto Crush Crew members who can help. We are here to provide all of the winemaking products you need to make the wine of your dreams, as well as the customer support to ensure your success!

A Guide to Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a white wine grape that originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France. We source our Chardonnay wine grapes from 3, high quality, and sustainable appellations in California. This includes Suisun Valley, Lodi, and Central Valley. These regions produce a range of outstanding high quality to premium luxury wine grapes for the best value.

Chardonnay

Suisun Valley, California

Firstly, Suisun Valley Chardonnay tends to yield beautiful notes of honeysuckle, green apple, and lemon tied into a welcoming nose. It is full-bodied and lush on the palate featuring tropical flavors of pineapple, peach, and bright citrus. It also has a clean and pleasant finish. We recommend fermenting in a stainless steel fermenting tank using QA23 wine yeast. This is perfect if you’re aiming for that tropical profile in your Chardonnay.

Lodi, California

Secondly, If you’re looking to make a beautifully balanced wine with lovely notes of pineapple and citrus, that mingles with notes of sweet vanilla custard finishing with just the right amount of silkiness and acid, we recommend the Lodi Chardonnay. We also recommend fermenting with D47 wine yeast in a French oak barrel. When you are fermenting in a barrel, it’s best to use MBR31 to allow your Chardonnay to go through Malo-Lactic Fermentation. This will achieve those silky and buttery finishes.

Central Valley, California

Finally, If you’re drawn to the Lodi Chard characteristics but you’re looking for more complexity, try the Central Valley Chardonnay. It has the potential to yield fresh tropical fruit, pears, and peaches along with custard cream flavors leading to a creamy, soft, and mouth-filling finish. For these results, we recommend fermenting in a stainless steel tank or fermenting tub with VIN13 wine yeast and aging in a French oak barrel. Inside the barrel, it should undergo Malo-Lactic Fermentation with the use of MBR31 and will yield that layered complexity you’re craving.

Ready to make your own Chardonnay? Musto Wine Grape is here to supply you with everything you need to make the wine of your dreams. Email us at sales@juicegrape.com or call (877) 812-1137 to speak with someone who can get you started!

Mettler Ranch – Musto’s Newest Vineyard in Lodi, CA

The Mettler Ranch

Musto Wine Grape is excited to announce their newest vineyard addition, the Mettler Ranch. The Mettler family has been farming wine grapes since the 1770’s in California. They focused their vineyard growing in Lodi in the 1800’s. Their family is now in its eighth generation of wine grape growing, with the 6th and 7th generation both recipients of the Agricultural Hall of Fame. It’s safe to say that vineyard farming is in their blood.

Mettler family-wine grapes-lodi-winemaking-winemaking instructions-how to make wine-musto wine grape

Regardless of their history, the Mettler family is constantly introducing new and progressive practices to create high quality wine grapes. They farm all of their vineyards sustainably (via LODI RULES) and as organically as possible; with certain blocks being certified organic by the CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). They use integrated pest management, cover crops, composting; and disease control through trellising, shoot positioning and leaf removal. The Mettler’s believe in farming the land for healthy vines and consistent wine quality.

Mettler family-wine grapes-lodi-winemaking-winemaking instructions-how to make wine-musto wine grape

Organic Farming at a Glance:

Soil:

  • Building organic matter within the soil is key to organic farming. You must feed the soil in order to feed the plant. The balance of the soil structure is critical not only in organic farming but to the overall health of the vine.
  • Cover crops in vineyards are used to fix nitrogen and soil tilth. They create a habitat for beneficial insects and reduce erosion. Cover crops can also be helpful in weed control, and reduces air pollution by keeping dust down in the vineyards
  • Use of compost on the vineyards floor if needed.

Disease Control:

  • Prevention is key
  • Modern trellising, shoot positioning, and leaf removal allow sunlight penetration and air flow into the vine’s canopy, greatly reducing mildew pressure.

Pest Control:

  • Organic farmers must encourage a healthy ecosystem; to include and encourage predatory insect species, which eat pests
    o By not using pesticides, beneficial insects remain in the vineyards.
  • Owl boxes placed in vineyards create a natural form of pest control

 Weed Control:

  • Mechanized in-row cultivator
  • Hand hoeing

Mettler family-wine grapes-lodi-winemaking-winemaking instructions-how to make wine-musto wine grape

The Mettler family farms over 800 acres in the Lodi Appellation, some of which date back to their family’s original properties which are over 100 years old. In keeping with their progressive nature, they were the first to introduce French clones in the Lodi region. The family is very focused on producing wine grapes that make consistent and richly crafted wines.

PS- you might have noticed Berton Costamagna from Delta Packing (another one of our Lodi wine grape providers) in the Mettler family photo. This is because Berton is married to Kelli Mettler (now Costagmagna). Kelli is head of Wine Sales for her family’s winery. You might have met Kelli and Berton at our last Winemaker Competition Celebration. As a family run business, we at Musto Wine Grape love being able to work with other growing family businesses. If you visit Mettler Vineyards you’ll see their wine dogs and next generation running around in the vineyard, including Berton and Kelli’s son Caden.

Wine Grape Varieties Available:

  • Pinotage
  • Grenache Noir
  • Merlot
  • Petite Sirah
  • Syrah
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Zinfandel
  • Sangiovese

*All grape varieties are available in 36lb cases or in frozen must by request

The Mettler Vineyards:

Mettler family-wine grapes-lodi-winemaking-winemaking instructions-how to make wine-musto wine grape

The Mettler Vineyards are located in Lodi’s Mediterranean Climate. Warm, dry summers, and cool moist winters. The dry warm summer days allow Lodi grapes to develop ripe fruit flavors while the distinctive breezes maintain the natural acidity for structure and complexity in the finished wines.

Mettler’s Wines of Distinction:

The Mettler family has their own winery located in Lodi, CA. Their winemaker, Adam Mettler recently won Winemaker of the Year from Wine Enthusiast. He creates award winning wines for many wineries in Lodi, including his family’s winery.

Awards Received:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Red, velvety and complex with true varietal characteristics
    • 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast 2019
    • 91 Points – Wine Enthusiast 2020
  • Petite Sirah: Deep and layered with concentrate flavors and excellent balance
    • 94 Points – Wine Enthusiast 2019
    • #33 of the Top 100 Wines of 2019 – Wine Enthusiast
    • 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast 2020
  • Old Vine Zinfandel: Hearty and full bodied with a genuine “zin” personality
    • 91 Points – Wine Enthusiast (Feb. 2020)
    • 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast (April 2020)

For more information regarding the Fall Harvest please feel free to contact us at sales@juicegrape.com or give us a call at 877-812-1137. We are looking forward to helping you with your next great wine!

2020 Lodi Wine Grape Harvest Update {7/9/20}

The 2020 Lodi Wine Grape harvest is starting to take shape. Crop timing is about 5 to 7 days ahead of last year, making it more of a “normal” crop year. The fruit set is looking average to light, but mostly average in size. This should produce good, well balanced berries for winemaking. Lodi has had ideal wine growing weather and is expected to have a great harvest this year.

Mettler Ranch_Grenache_Musto Wine Grape_Winemaking Instructions_How to make wine

Here’s a quick look at some of Lodi’s more popular varieties and when they might start to harvest:

Chardonnay

  • Crop: Average
  • Harvest Start Date: 8/25/20

Pinot Grigio

  • Crop: Average
  • Harvest Start Date: 8/21/20

Pinot Noir

  • Crop: Average
  • Harvest Start Date: 8/28/20

Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Crop: Average
  • Harvest Start Date: 9/5/20

Sauvignon Blanc

  • Crop: Average
  • Harvest Start Date: 8/26/20

Merlot

  • Crop: Average
  • Harvest Start Date: 9/4/20

Zinfandel

  • Crop: Average
  • Harvest Start Date: 9/4/20

Mettler Ranch_Grenache_Musto Wine Grape_Winemaking Instructions_How to make wine

If you are interested in purchasing wine grapes or winemaking juices this fall please email sales@juicegrape.com or call 877-812-1137 for pricing and information. We are looking forward to speaking with you about your 2020 vintage!

A note about Covid-19 precautions: Delta packing continues to be extra vigilant when it comes to the safety of their employees and customer to ensure that the grapes are harvested and shipped safely this year. In the vineyards and main facility, temperature checks are taken daily for everyone, hand washing and sanitation stations are in every work area, and social distancing is required.

Our Growers and thier wineries are winning awards!

We want to give a BIG Congratulations to our Growers for winning multiple prestigious awards at the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition!!

Our Lodi Growers:

home winemaking-zinderella-lodi-zinfandel-musto wine grape-winemaking-winemaker
2016 Zinderella Old Vine Zinfandel – GOLD Medal
2017 Albarino from Mettler Ranch – SILVER Medal
2016 Zinfandel from Mettler Ranch – SILVER Medal
2016 Petite Sirah from Mettler Ranch – GOLD Medal
2016 Cabernet from Mettler Ranch – SILVER Medal

Our Suisun Valley, Lanza Musto Vineyards Growers:

home winemaking-wooden valley winery-suisun valley-musto wine grape-winemaking-winemaker
2018 Wooden Valley Sauvignon Blanc – GOLD Medal
2016 Wooden Valley Zinfandel – GOLD Medal
2017 Wooden Valley Malbec – GOLD Medal
2016 Lanza Family Petite Sirah – DOUBLE GOLD Medal
2016 Lanza Family Cabernet – GOLD Medal

Click the link below to see the full list of winners. Great wine starts in the vineyard!

Link: http://winejudging.com/medal-winners/

 

 

Rich Soil + Cool Delta Breezes = Delicious Wines from Lodi’s Historic Vineyards

Did you know that the first wine grape in Lodi was planted in the 1800’s? Or that Lodi produces over 450 wine labels? 4th and 5th generation growers are taking their historic vineyards to new levels by introducing sustainable growing practices, planting interesting wine grape varietals, and producing block specific wines.

The Lodi AVA was created in 1986 and the farmers here have been growing and developing their winemaking and vineyard plantings ever since. With over 75 different grape varieties planted in Lodi, there is no shortage of interesting high quality grapes. According to the critics the top grapes coming out of Lodi are Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Rhone varietals, and Italian varietals. Many of the wineries in Lodi enjoy working with their grapes because they create wines that are complex, flavorful, and pair well with food. After all, wine was created to drink and enjoy with family and friends.
Musto Wine Grape is bringing in a diverse variety of grapes from Lodi this season. With a great price point and no shortage of options, Lodi is one of the most versatile and creative AVA’s for winemaking.

Rich Soil + Cool Delta Breezes = Delicious Wines from Lodi's Historic Vineyards_musto wine grape_how to make wine

Winemaking Suggestions:

  • Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel
    • CLOS; Ferments well under tough conditions, enhances aromatic structure; high alcohol tolerance of 17%
    • RP-15; Balanced mouthfeel, red fruit and mineral flavors, alcohol tolerance of 17%
    • VRB; Ripe fruit, jams, plum flavors, softens tannins, alcohol tolerance of 17%
  • Lodi Cabernet
    • BDX; Soft tannin extraction, increased mouthfeel, alcohol tolerance of 16%
    • D-254; Ripe red fruit, jam, and mild spicy flavors, alcohol tolerance of 16%
    • D-80; Fine tannin integration, spicy and savory herb flavors, alcohol tolerance of 16%
  • Lodi Petite Sirah
    • RP-15; Balanced mouthfeel, red fruit and mineral flavors, alcohol tolerance of 17%
    • CLOS; Enhances aromatic complexity, wide temperature range (58-90°F), alcohol tolerance of 17%
    • VRB; Ripe fruit, jams, plum flavors, softens tannins, alcohol tolerance of 17%
  • Contra Costa Montelpuciano
    • Contra Costa is an area in Lodi that has a very similar microclimate to Italy. Italian varietals flourish here and come out similar to those grown in Italy.
    • D-254; Ripe red fruit, jam, and mild spicy flavors, alcohol tolerance of 16%
    • VRB; Ripe fruit, jam, plum flavors, softens tannins, alcohol tolerance of 17%
    • BM 45; Fruit jam, cherry liquor, sweet spice, and cedar flavors, alcohol tolerance of 15%

Rich Soil + Cool Delta Breezes = Delicious Wines from Lodi's Historic Vineyards_musto wine grape_how to make wine

Wine Grapes/Wine Juices Available:
• Alicante
• Barbera
• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Carignane
• Grenache
• Malbec
• Merlot
• Mixed Black
• Petite Sirah
• Pinot Noir
• Ruby Cabernet
• Sangiovese
• Zinfandel
• Old Vine Zinfandel
• Valdepena
• Albarino
• Balck Muscat
• Chardonnay
• French Colombard
• Malvasia Bianca
• Muscat
• Pinot Grigio
• Riesling
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Thompson Seedless
• Viognier
• Aglianico
• Montelpulciano
• Nero D’Avola
• Sagrantino
• Mourvdere

Christina’s Top Wineries to Visit in Lodi:

If you are interested in Lodi grapes or juices please give us a call at 877-812-1137 or email us at sales@juicegrape.com to secure your order. Cheers to the 2018 Winemaking Season!