Nestled in the heart of Lodi’s most prestigious Mokelumne AVA, sit 750 acres of estate vineyards, many of which have been farmed consistently by the Felten family for six generations. Deeply committed to preserving the family’s ancient vineyards, Steve Felten founded Klinker Brick Winery in 2000 and is succeeded by daughter Farrah in its ownership. An extension of the family is head winemaker Joseph Smith. The soil is comprised of deep granite sandy loam, giving wines of this region a distinctive minerality. Situated at the edge of the Sacramento Delta, Pacific breezes gust through the Mokelumne AVA cooling the grapes and creating a Mediterranean climate ideally suited for growing varietals such as Zinfandel, Syrah, and Albarino.

The Klinker Brick Albarino was a pleasant surprise to taste. I had to look twice at the bottle to make sure I was about to taste an Albarino from Lodi! The color is a beautiful pale yellow that glistened in the glass. This wine takes on a simpler approach than the Albarino from the Rias Baixas wine region in Spain. On the nose are notes of lemon zest, white peach, and hint of minerality. The flavors of white peach and citrus enhance the richness and mouthwatering acidity. These elements give the wine lift through the palate, leading to a lovely finish. This is an Albarino from Lodi that is worth seeking and is the ultimate seafood wine or you can savor this summer white watching the sun set by the water.

By Perry Miroballi