Lodi's San Joaquin Series Soil - Exploring the Jahant, Cosumnes River, and Alta Mesa Viticultural Areas

Reddish sandy/clay loam soil and blue oak characteristic of Lodi's Jahant AVA along Liberty Rd.

 

As we conclude our California Wine Month journey through Lodi's wine history, we explore the three remaining sub-appellations that complete the region's diverse tapestry: Jahant, Cosumnes River, and Alta Mesa AVAs.

Located between the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the west and the eastern hillside appellations, these three regions share a unique common denominator: variations of California's official state soil, the San Joaquin series. Characterized by shallow sandy clay loam over hardpan layers, these soils initially seemed less ideal for viticulture than Lodi's deep sandy plains. However, innovative farming families in the 1980s discovered that deep ripping techniques could transform these terraced floodplains into exceptional wine-growing terrain.

From the cool, fog-influenced vineyards of Jahant and Cosumnes River to the "high table" mesa topography of Alta Mesa, these appellations showcase how Lodi growers turned agricultural challenges into opportunities, establishing diverse plantings that range from classic Cabernet Sauvignon to Portuguese Port varieties. In this final exploration, originally authored by wine journalist Randy Caparoso, discover how these three AVAs complete the story of Lodi's seven nested appellations.

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Lodi's Hillside Appellations: Exploring the Clements Hills, Borden Ranch, and Sloughhouse Viticultural Areas

Cobbled, orangy-red clay hillside vineyard typifying Lodi vineyards in the Borden Ranch AVA

Continuing our California Wine Month journey through Lodi's wine history, we venture east from the flat, sandy land of the Mokelumne River AVA into dramatically different terrain. Rising into rolling hills of 150 to 590 feet elevation, three distinct sub-appellations showcase how Lodi's expansion over the past 25 years has been driven by the discovery of exceptional hillside terroir.

The Clements Hills, Borden Ranch, and Sloughhouse AVAs represent a striking contrast to Lodi's historic core, featuring ancient volcanic clay soils, varied topography, and microclimates that have proven ideal for premium wine production. From the red clay loams that produce intensely colored Cabernet Sauvignon to the cobbled hillsides perfect for Spanish and Rhône varietals, these eastern appellations demonstrate why Lodi needed seven distinct sub-AVAs to fully capture its diverse winemaking potential.

In this exploration, originally authored by wine journalist Randy Caparoso, discover how these hillside regions became the foundation for Lodi's growth from 42,000 acres in 1986 to over 110,000 acres today.

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Mokelumne River AVA: Exploring Lodi's Largest and Most Historic Viticultural Area

Classic plus-100-year-old Zinfandel growing on its own natural roots in deep, rich yet porous, sand dune-like soil typifying much of the east side of the Mokelumne River-Lodi AVA

As we continue our journey through Lodi's wine history during California Wine Month, we turn our focus to the largest and most historic of the region's seven nested sub-appellations: the Mokelumne River AVA.

Spanning an impressive 85,700 acres with over 40,000 acres of planted wine grapes, this viticultural area represents the historic heart of Lodi winemaking and houses nearly all of the region's wine production facilities. Named for the river that flows from the Sierra Nevada through the appellation—originally derived from the Miwok phrase meaning "the place of the fish net"—the Mokelumne River AVA tells the story of California viticulture itself.

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