2016 LangeTwins Family Winery Cabernet Franc, Miller Vineyard
Background & Winery
Photo from LangeTwins website
One of the first wineries I visited in Lodi many years ago was LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards in Acampo at 1525 E Jahant Rd, Acampo, CA. Their tasting room was spacious and filled with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Unique in that their wine offering lineup was extensive with many Italian varieties both common and uncommon which is always appreciated. More later in the winery section.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine captures many of the elements of a solid Cabernet Franc and showcases the “terroir” of the Clarksburg AVA. First on the eyes deep intriguing red coloring with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose a definite “old world” aroma of dark cherry waft warmly in the senses. On the palate flavors of raspberries and strawberries swirl happily in the mouth. Secondary flavors of subtle pyrazines (bell pepper) and earthiness abound. At the end of each sip, a muscular and structured wine with character are noted. However, it is kept in check with mild and soothing tannins with a smooth finish of juicy fruits with a peppery note.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine was pulled to match up with a special at Verona18 with our Friday Night Wine & Dine group as I had a preview of the specials. The special I had decided on was a filet mignon with Blue cheese crumbles prepared medium rare. Earlier in the week, I and a few others had an opportunity to do some pre-work with Executive Chef Jaime Alderete and Food & Beverage Manager Edwarda Alderete on the Gourmet Cabernet Franc Dinner to be held April 18th at Copper Valley Golf Club Grandview Room. We spent time tasting various Cabernet Franc wines and tasting tidbits that would show both the wines and foods in the best light. Beaujolais sauce was prepared for a filet mignon steak bites for the gathering. When the special came out, I asked if adding the sauce would be available. What a wonderful treat. The meal also came with large jumbo prawns, mashed potatoes and vegetables.
The meal was delicious and the wine provided enough umph to cut through both the meat and sauce. A very good food and wine pairing. Next time I would ask for the Beaujolais sauce on the side as it was a bit too much yet tasted wonderful.
The Winery
Lange Twins Winery has several wine brands but the LangeTwins label features three skews in their offering. The first is their Single Vineyard series of wine reflecting specific and singular vineyard expressions. This is to highlight their “core competency” of farming to bring out the best characteristics as they state, “of land, the climate, the rootstock, and the farmer’s touch”. Today almost thirty wines are offered on their website including some of my favorites like Aglianico, Petite Sirah, Grüner Veltliner and Nero d’ Avola.
The other two labels are their Reserve, wines that are highly allocated and barrels being hand selected to bring out the highest quality of wine. The third is their Centennial label showcasing their 116-year-old Lewis Vineyard of Zinfandel.
Photo from LangeTwins website
The Lange family started farming in the region as emigrants in Lodi around 1870. Initially focused on watermelons and wheat. Then in the early 1900’s the family purchased a vineyard property. Their heritage and agrarian talents were continually transferred to father and son and bloomed with Randy and Brad Lange working the land and making premium wines.
Photo from LangeTwins website
Today their children all have significant roles in the company’s development and growth as fifth generation Lange family members from Marissa Lange as President of the Winery, Aaron Lange as President of Vineyards, Joseph Lange as International Sales Manager, Philip Lange, Vineyard/Winery Maintenance Director and Kendra Lange as Sustainability Manager. Truly a family affair!
If you are in Lodi and Acampo area, this should be the first winery to stop and visit to get an overall feel of the history, wide-ranging and quality of wines. And their hospitality is first class.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly