May 29, 2019
When you think Lodi you
think all things Zinfandel. Did you know there is a German side to
Lodi where there are 51 varieties of German and Austrian grapes
planted?
While I was in Lodi we met
the Koth family, third generation grape growers. They grow the
German-Austrian Collection. You may wonder why German grapes? In
the 1990's Bob’s daughter Ann-Marie was in college studying in
Germany. This led Bob and Marylou to visit where they fell in love
with the German varieties. Upon his return, he studied the German
varietals and now grows 51 of them at his Mokelumne Glen Vineyards
called “The German Austrian
Collection.”
The vineyard is located on
the banks of the east side of the Mokelumne River. The rivers sandy
loam, crushed granite soil lends itself to give the grapes the
natural acidity needed as if in a Mediterranean
climate.
The German Austrian
Collection is gaining popularity with-in California. There are nine
wineries that currently purchase grapes from the Mokelumne Glen
Vineyards with interest from neighboring wineries in Napa and
Sonoma.
All the wines that we
tasted were very good, but the one standout for me was the
Trailmarker Wine Company 2017 Lodi
Blaufrankisch. The fresh expression of the fruit and
bright acidity won my palate, I’d say blew me away. I am not a
Blaufrankisch fan but the way this wine is produced makes if light,
fun and enjoyable. I can even see it slightly chilled on a summers
evening.
Listen to the podcast of
our tasting of the German-Austrian Collection. You’ll hear from the
owners of Mokelumne Glen Vineyards along with a few of the wineries
that produce wine from purchasing their grapes. You’ll get a feel
of the winemakers and owners and the passion they have for what
they do.