presented by Mark Luna from Kellogg Selections
The selection for this tasting is a new producer to North Carolina and Cellar Door Wine Shop
Lorenza Wine
Lorenza Wine originated from a shared love of Provence Rosé by co-founders Melinda Kearney and Michèle Ouellet. A beautiful glass of wine and all its intricacies were not new for the mother-daughter duo. In 2008, we had a hunch that there were more than a few people who, like us, wanted to love what was in their glass and feel connected to the story behind the wine. Since the climates of Northern California and the Mediterranean are so similar, we were confident that we could produce a beautiful dry rosé made from old vines. Optimistic early adopters? Yes, we truly believed in rosé and in California. After 14 years of focusing exclusively on rosé, the duo debuted with their first white wine, Picpoul Blanc. They have now expanded into red wine with Cinsault and Carignan. The Lorenza team is excited about making Mediterranean-style wines from vineyards they know and love in Northern California.
Lorenza Rosé Bubbly
A modern bubbly expression of a classic comes in a Provence-inspired blend. The sophisticated blend and lively effervescence with a serious mouth-feel and a bright, creamy finish.
Appellation: Clements Hills-Lodi AVA
Grapes: Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvedre – ABV 11.4%
Tasting notes: fragrance of citrus blossoms with layers of crunchy red fruits, Meyer lemon, Seville orange, and rhubarb on the palate.
Lorenza Picpoul Blanc ~ 2023 [Organic]
Picpoul Blanc is farmed organically in Clements Hills, Lodi. This is our third vintage of Picpoul from the Terra Alta Vineyard. California Picpoul is a rare bird!
Appellation: Clements Hills-Lodi AVA
Grapes: 100% Picpoul Blanc- ABV 11%
Tasting notes: Crisp, dry and oh so right! The Picpoul is the color of straw with the fragrance of lime zest, shale, and honey. Flavors of grapefruit, lemon meringue and lime with a lively mouthfeel. Balanced by savory notes of newly dried hay. Fresh crisp finish.
Lorenza Rosé ~ 2023 [4 on Vinepair’s 30 Top Rosé List]
The original Lorenza! All of our fruit comes from the unique sandy soils and Mediterranean climate of Lodi – our winemaking home. Hand-picked for rosé when the grapes are full of verve, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel.
Appellation: Lodi AVA (Sustainably and Organically farmed)
Grapes: 33% Mourvèdre, 30% Carignan, 26% Cinsault, 11% Grenache – ABV 12%
Tasting notes: A pale peach hue with aromas of strawberry, orange blossoms and stonefruit. The tantalizing palate is dynamic with racy acidity and cool minerality plus juicy flavors of ripe melon and plum skin.
Lorenza Cinsault ~ 2023
The revered, own-rooted Bechthold Vineyard is organically and sustainably farmed. 25 acres were planted in 1886 in sandy alluvial soil on the west side of the Mokelumne River. Since 2009, we’ve loved this fruit component in our Rosé. The 2023 is already our third vintage of red wine from these gnarled old vines. FUN FACT: This farm in the previous century was planted to watermelons, which charmingly appear as legacy volunteers between the gnarled vines just before harvest.
Appellation: Bechthold Vineyard, Mokelumne River – Lodi AVA (Sustainably and Organically farmed)
Grapes: 100% Cinsault – ABV 11.7%
Tasting notes: a gorgeous ruby red with aromas of baking spices and strawberry pie. Served chilled, it is bright on the palate with plum skin, cherries, cardamon, cinnamon and clove. It is intensely concentrated with delicate tannins, brambly layers and a mouth-watering finish.
