Lodi and the Sierra Foothills, while distinct regions, share a common thread as areas of California that offer a different experience from the state's more famous coastal appellations. Lodi, located in the Central Valley east of San Francisco and just south of Sacramento, is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights, benefiting from delta breezes. The Sierra Foothills, as the name suggests, lies further east, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, with varied elevations and a warmer, drier climate. Both areas have a large quantity of old vines, proof of a long history of grape growing. Often seen as an insider's secret, these areas are garnering increased attention for their ability to produce Zinfandel, along with other varieties, offering distinct expressions of California terroir.
California - Lodi & Sierra Foothills
Syrah is a dark-skinned grape of French origin, specifically from the Northern Rhône Valley, where it produces some of the world's most powerful and complex wines. Known as Shiraz in Australia, Syrah is capable of displaying a wide range of aromas and flavors. Cool climate Syrahs tend to express floral notes like violets, along with savory elements like olives, while those grown in warmer climates like Australia are more likely to show black pepper and dark fruit notes such as plum. The grape's versatility allows it to adapt to various climates and soil types, but it maintains its unique characteristics no matter where it is planted.