Lodi Terrain (Back to overview)
Lodi terrain is made of sand and clay that drains well. They are known as Hanford Clay Loam and are derived from the Mokelumne River.
The Effect of Terrain on Lodi Wine
Some soils have substantial amounts of fist-size rocks which are the result of gold mining in the Sierra Foothills from the previous century. These rocks are heat retentive and assist in the ripening process. They are reminiscent of the Chateauneauf du Pape in France’s Rhone Valley.
Some excellent, single vineyard Zinfandels are being made by resident and non-resident wineries. However, economics will probably cause most production to continue on a very large and profitable scale.
Mondavi, Sebastiani and Constellation Brands all have large production facilities in the AVA. They make a large quantity of consistent, sound wine in lower price ranges.
Lodi Wineries
