Lorenza Wine Company
California / USA
At A Glance
Winemaker(s)
Melinda Kearney & Michele OuelletVarieties
Cinsault, Mourvedre, Carignan, GrenacheQuote
Dry, Delicate and Authentic. Made with Intention from Old Vines.Their Story
Lorenza is our only producer who focuses solely on rosé. What does this tell you? Their rosé is magnificent! Lorenza is Melinda Kearney and Michele Ouellet, a mother and daughter team, who’s love for Provençale rosé is as strong as their love for each other. It is their passion for old-vine vineyards and the respect for what the ancient vines offer which makes the Lorenza rosé one of California’s best pink wines.
Lorenza works with six very old vineyards in and around Lodi. The Cinsault is from the Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi’s oldest vineyard. The Mourvedre is the youngest vineyard they work with and consists of the only two long rows on the ranch. Melinda and Michele work with two ancient Carignan vineyards also in Lodi, while the Grenache comes from Manteca. All of the vines are grown in sandy soils.
The Lorenza rosé is vinified using whole clusters which are gently pressed into cold stainless steel tanks. Each variety is fermented separately then blended creating the final cépage. There is no malolactic or oak used in the wine. Lorenza produced almost 2000 cases in 2015 and will thankfully double that with this harvest in 2016. So if you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting their phenomenal wine, it is only a matter of time.
Interview with Melinda Kearney and Michele Ouellet, Owners of Lorenza Wine Company
Where were you born and raised? Melinda was born and raised in Boulder CO and moved to Napa Valley in 1988. Michele was born and raised in St. Helena. If you could briefly describe your approach in the vineyard what would it be? As we specialize in Rosé, the magic is in our early picks. It's a delicate balance between capturing bright acidity and focused flavors. What excites you most about your vineyards? The vineyards we work with are for the most part over 100 years old. We are keen on the complexity, layers and longevity that come from the fruit from old vines—and the history. Imagine what was going on 130 years ago in the Bechthold Vineyard! If you could say one thing to the sommeliers who are introducing people to your wines for the first time, what would it be? This is a “real deal” California rosé made from old vines in a Provençale style. What is your favorite type of music? Melinda: Funk / Michele: Rihanna! f you could have any superhero power, what would you choose? Melinda: I’d like to fly! / Michele: I'd like to live in space and explore other universes. Visit Lorenza Wine Company WebsiteDiscover More Producers From California
