Beyond Zinfandel: Six Mediterranean Varieties to Explore in Lodi

Lodi’s tasting rooms reflect a region that has grown far beyond a single defining grape. Alongside its historic Zinfandel plantings, growers have spent decades working with Mediterranean and Iberian varieties that thrive in the same warm days and cool nights. Albariño from cuttings brought directly from Spain, Cinsaut from century-old vineyards, and Tempranillo that reflects its Old World origins all have a place here. With more than 130 grape varieties planted across the region, Zinfandel is only part of the story. These six varieties highlight the range of what Lodi is growing today. Klinker Brick Winery Albariño Albariño Native to the Atlantic-facing Rías Baixas region of Spain, Albariño has quietly become one of Lodi's signature whites . Lodi’s warm days and cool nights give the vines what they need to ripen fully while holding onto their hallmark acidity, and the region's deep sandy loams let the variety run with vigor.  Markus B

by Lodi Wine · source ↗