Each January, roughly one in three hopeful Americans resolve to better themselves in some way. Get organized; break a bad habit; join a gym (and actually go); take a trip. Recent studies have shown that the sad truth about New Year’s resolutions is that about 88% of those people who set one will fail to keep it. Hey, we know it’s tough to keep up the enthusiasm months after you’ve swept up the confetti but it’s not impossible. This year, make a resolution that you can keep and pledge to sip outside your comfort zone by choosing a Lodi wine varietal that you’re less familiar with. And with more than 100 winegrape varieties being cultivated in the region, it shouldn’t be hard to find a wine varietal that you haven’t tried. Here are three suggestions of unique wines that you should resolve to sip in the coming year:
BOKISCH VINEYARDS 2012 LODI GRACIANO (grah-ee-YAH-noh)
The proud recipient of a Double Gold Medal (98 points) and Best Other Red Varietal from 2015 California State Fair, this stunning wine exhibits plummy layers of ripe figs and blueberry pie with complexities suggesting Mexican-spiced dark chocolate and sweet, almost cumin-like earthiness. With moderate tannins and body, this wine is perfect on its own or paired with duck with rich cherry reduction, herb-crusted rack of lamb or a dish of hearty pasta Bolognese. ($23) BokischVineyards.com
HERITGE OAK WINERY 2012 OLD VINE LODI CARIGNANE (kar-in-YON)
Hailing from the old, gnarled vines of Lodi’s Rauser Vineyard, planted in 1909 along the south bank of the Mokelumne River, this unique and intense wine is rich in flavors of dark, brambly blackberries with whispers of black current. Aged in neutral oak barrels for 18 months, this wine’s long, graceful finish is made for full-flavored dishes like lasagna, braised veal shanks (Osso Buco), and beef stew. This wine is a limited production at only 125 cases. ($28) HeritageOakWinery.com
HUNTER’S OAK 2012 LODI PETIT VERDOT (puh-TEE vehr-DOH)
This powerful yet elegantly-styled Bordeaux wine balances deep, inky flavors of plum and currants with silky dark chocolate and hints of blackberries, caramel, leather and vanilla. Aggressive tannins and bright acidity combined with sweet French Oak creates a rustic wine just right for serving alongside high protein red meat dishes such as BBQ spare ribs, ribeye steak or grilled sausages. ($32) HuntersOakVineyard.com
WHERE TO FIND THESE WINES:
Pick up these Lodi wines from the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 365-0621. Open daily 10AM-5PM. LodiWine.com