THE REGION
The Lodi region is nestled in the middle of the Central Valley, between San Francisco and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The landscape is characterized by sprawling vineyards and rolling hills. Growing grapes has long been a part of the region’s history and it is flourishing region for wine tourism. The region is blessed with a Mediterranean climate with warm dry days, cool nights, and breezes off the San Francisco Bay. The mineral rich soil plays a big role in producing high quality, flavourful fruit. The combination of the climate and fertile soils create an idea environment for producing high quality wines.
MERLOT CABERNET FRANC
Lodi, California
Available Dec. 2023 – THE WINE
Introducing the harmonious medium- full bodied blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. These two renowned varietals blend seamlessly together creating a wine that is vibrant with a velvety richness. Enchanting notes of plum, sweet strawberries, and raspberry are followed by subtle hints of chocolate mocha, baking spice and licorice. The Merlot adds the fruity and berry component to the wine while the Cabernet Franc adds more perfumed herbal notes. A silky-smooth mouth feel, fresh acidity, balanced tannins, and a finish that is nothing short of radiant.
THE FOOD
Get ready to satisfy your tastebuds. This wine can easily stand up to steak or seared duck breast. For a vegetarian option, aim for a wild mushroom risotto, stuffed green peppers or stir-fried tofu. On a charcuterie board, make sure to display chevre, gorgonzola or aged cheddar.
(Sweetness: Dry – Body: Med-Full – Alcohol: 13%)
THE REGION
Riverland is known as a magical wine growing land with the Murray River winding through the ancient land, dotted with red soils and sandy loams. This region stretches between the Murray River and the Great Australian Outback. It is a long-established wine growing region that is extremely important to the Australian wine industry and is home to more that 80 different varietals. Riverland has a warm continental Mediterranean climate, with long sunny days and cool nights. This allows the fruit to fully ripen, producing aromatic and bright white wines.
PINOT GRIS SAUVIGNON BLANC
Riverland, Australia
Available Jan 2024 – THE WINE
This blend captures the essence of the Australian sun and breezes that carry across the region. This aromatic medium bodied blend of Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc has a zesty vibrancy that dances across the palate. On the nose you are greeted with passionfruit and a hint of citrus. Fresh flavours of green apple, stone fruit, and gooseberry are complimented by subtle herbaceous nuances. This fresh and well-balanced blend, pairs perfectly with food or a casual gathering of friends.
THE FOOD
This glass of aroma and flavour stands up to white meats quite nicely, so try it with a chicken piccata or grilled chicken souvlaki. For lighter fare, pair it with a crisp green salad with herb and lemon vinaigrette. On the side, it goes splendidly with goat cheese or brie.
(Sweetness: Dry – Body: Medium – Oak: Heavy – Alcohol: 12.5%)
THE REGION
Mendoza a high- altitude desert like region with an impressive landscape. The region sits at the foot of the Andes and is an average od 900 metres above sea level. It has some of the highest vineyards in all the world. The hot, sunny, and semi- arid climate ensures the grapes ripen fully but the cool mountain air also slows to the ripening to help maintain good acidity. Mendoza relies on irrigation channels from the Andes Mountains. The end result is smaller, more concentrated fruit. The combination of high elevation and an ideal climate make a perfect growing environment for Malbec and its noble partner.
MALBEC CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Mendoza, Argentina
Available Feb 2024– THE WINE
This Argentinian blend showcases the best of both worlds, combining the richness of Malbec with the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbecs grown here stand strong on their own but when blended with Cabernet, they create complex and powerful wines that represent the Argentine terroir. Ripe red fruits with hints of violet present on the nose. The palate unfolds elegantly with flavours of dark plum, fig and jammy black fruit. Soft and rich tannins enhance the mouthfeel and add to the long rich finish.
THE FOOD
Bring out the best in this wine by pairing it with a grilled bison burger or a chorizo sandwich. Vegetarian dishes such as bean burritos or stir-fried eggplant with plum sauce go surprisingly well with this big wine. On an appetizer board, make sure to place prosciutto, salami, mild blue cheese or havarti.
(Sweetness: Dry – Body: Full – Alcohol: 13%)
THE REGION
This warm wine producing region extends for 330 kilometres along the Murray River and is located just east of the Barossa Valley. It is the largest wine region in terms of size, number of growers, volume of grapes crushed annually and wine grape varieties available. The Continental climate brings long hours of sunshine, ensuring the grapes reach their optimal ripeness. The healthy soils and temperate climate make the region a perfect fit for grape growing. Cabernet and Shiraz are of the top varietals planted here, producing rich and intense wines. A region with a rich history in winegrowing and winemaking.
CABERNET SHIRAZ
Riverland, Australia
With grape skins.
Available March 2023 – THE WINE
This Australian blend showcases the best qualities of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The Cabernet provides structure and subtle herbal notes, while the Shiraz brings richness and dash of black pepper. The regions warm climate and fertile soils contribute to the wine’s brilliant fruit concentration and depth. The aromas and flavours are big and bold in this Riverland blend. Intense flavours of cassis, blackberry and plum are balanced by hints of leather, vanilla, and spice. The wines silky tannins lend to a smooth mouthfeel, while the vibrant acidity adds freshness to this classic Australian blend.
THE FOOD
This is the big big wine of this year’s lineup, so it will overpower some easier foods. Instead, balance it with bold dishes like a steak with peppercorn sauce or greek meatballs with roasted red pepper sauce. It also goes with salt and pepper fries or mushroom enchiladas. Of course, if you’re building an appetizer tray, make sure to include stuffed mushrooms, aged gouda or parmesan.
(Sweetness: Dry – Body: Full – Alcohol: 14%)
THE REGION
Bobal is indigenous to Spain, where it is the 2nd most planted red wine grape. Its thick skin and drought resistance make it well suited to the subtropical Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers. It is mostly found in Valencia on Spain’s sunny east coast. The region is cooled slightly by sea breezes, and grapes are often grown in altitudes up to 1100 meters above sea level. Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon also perform well here and are often blended with indigenous Spanish grapes.
BOBAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Valencia, Spain
Available Dec. 2023 – THE WINE
This Spanish red combines Bobal and Cabernet Sauvignon to deliver a medium-bodied wine with a fruity palate and silky tannin. Aromas of black fruit, mild spice, and subtle toasty oak. The first sip shows bright flavours of plum, cassis, and cherry joined by notes of licorice, cocoa, oak, and earthy nuances. Fresh acidity, soft tannin, and a light spicy sensation complete this polished blend.
THE FOOD
This is an easier-drinking wine, so you can comfortably pair it with milder foods like a Valencian paella or manchego flatbread. Sip it along with comfort food like a hearty stew, or pepperoni and asiago pinwheels.
(Sweetness: Dry – Body: Medium – Alcohol: 13.5%)
THE REGION
This cunning blend pulls choice varietals from the four corners of Italy, showcasing the best the country has to offer: Sicily in the southwest, where climate and geography make near perfect growing conditions; Tuscany on the northwest coast, one of the world’s most famous wine regions; Veneto on the northeast coast where hot summers are tempered by the Adriatic Sea, and finally Puglia on the southeast coast, where the surrounding seas provide balance to the dry heat helping grow mature and fruity grapes.
WINEMAKER’S BLEND
Italy
Available January 2024 – THE WINE
The varietals in our Winemaker’s Blend play off each other to create a crisp off-dry wine with a tapestry of vibrant fruit flavours. Pinot Grigio leads with lush peach and apple flavours. Riesling adds aromatics, a shot of sweetness, and amplifies fresh acidity. Vermentino plays up the citrus character, while Verduzzo brings tropical notes to the background. A touch of Trebbiano rounds out the orchard fruit flavours and adds a fresh mineral accent.
THE FOOD
This structured blend is off-dry so pairs beautifully with spicy Asian food (like Korean noodles) or a Pancetta Egg Pasta. Simpler dishes like a creamy mac and cheese or maple glazed ham complement this wine as well as spiced nuts or brie cheese.
(Sweetness: Off Dry – Body: Light-Medium – Alcohol: 12%)
THE REGION
Nebbiolo does well in Lodi, situated in the middle of California’s Central Valley. The Mediterranean climate is tempered in part by cool breezes blowing inland from the San Francisco Bay area, which promotes the grape’s natural acidity. Two mountain-fed rivers run through the region bringing rich granite-based minerals to the soil, lending complex flavours. These mineral rich sandy soils in conjunction with the dry growing season encourage more concentrated flavours.
NEBBIOLO
Lodi, California
Available February 2024 – THE WINE
The regal Italian red you know and love with a bit of laid-back California charm. Nebbiolo maintains its strong tannin on North American soil but reins in some boldness, showing more voluptuous fruit and floral undertones. Aromas hint at rose and violet with notes of earth and spice. Cherry and raspberry flavours are forefront, while licorice, plum and chalky earth notes add depth. A gratifying wine with strong structure and balance thanks to Nebbiolo’s characteristic high tannin and acidity.
THE FOOD
An elegant wine like this flows beautifully when enjoying a prosciutto & olive pizza or braised short ribs. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, make your tastebuds dance with a white truffle fettuccine or butternut ravioli. When you’re building an appetizer tray, make sure to include Castelmagno or a sharp aged cheese.
(Sweetness: Dry – Body: Full – Alcohol: 14%)
THE REGION
Provence lies on the southeast tip of France and vineyards in this small coastal region are all within 60kms of the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are warm with abundant sunshine. Coastal breezes help moderate the temperature and the strong mistral wind keeps skies clear and grapes dry, protecting against disease. Soils vary across the region with white wine grapes generally planted in areas with rich limestone and shale deposits.
SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC
Provence, France
Available March 2024 – THE WINE
This White Bordeaux-style wine is a classic French blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus and grassy aromas lead to a gorgeous palate with refreshing grapefruit and lemon/lime flavours. Gooseberry, passionfruit, and green apple notes come through, hinting at honeysuckle and lemon peel. Serve lightly chilled to emphasize the vibrant acidity and prominent citrus flavours of this crisp dry white.
THE FOOD
As a more earthy wine, this one goes well with shrimp curry, sushi or juicy crab cakes. For a lighter meal, pair it with an asparagus risotto or a crunchy green salad sprinkled with goat cheese and mixed seed praline. If you’re feeling snack-ish, don’t miss out on pairing this blend with goat cheese tartlets or mozzarella slices.
(Sweetness: Dry – Body: Medium – Alcohol: 13%)
THE REGION
Australia has long been a powerhouse of Shiraz, but it’s only recently that Tempranillo plantings have surged in the country. In the Riverland, the warm Mediterranean climate and long sunny days bring out more of Tempranillo’s generous black fruit flavours and spice character. The Murray Darling River winds through the region providing relief from the hot South Australian sun, vital access to water for irrigation, and contributes to the region’s fertile soils.
TEMPRANILLO SHIRAZ
Riverland, Australia
With grapeskins
Available April 2024 – THE WINE
Tempranillo and Shiraz are exceptional blending partners creating a poignant blend abound with rich fruit and spice. Aromas of red berry, chocolate, and peppery spice set the tone for a palate packed with flavours of black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and plum. Ripe tannin and rich spice lend to the lush mouthfeel, while layered notes of milk chocolate play off savoury elements of tobacco and licorice. A blockbuster example of how these two flavourful grapes amplify each other.
THE FOOD
Big bold wines such as this one can match up to really fun dishes! Try it with a smoky chorizo and chicken chili, or a smoked meat sandwich. If you’re adventurous, try it with a vegetarian Moroccan dish or vegetarian lasagna. On the side, it is delectable with prosciutto, manchego or aged parmesan cheese.
(Sweetness: Dry – Body: Full – Alcohol: 14%)