This week, I had the pleasure of sharing a post on my Instagram page for #OldVineDay, where I showcased this remarkable wine. However, due to the limited character count, I couldn’t provide all the details about the magical Bechtold Vineyard in Lodi. So, I am excited to share more information about this vineyard, along with my Wine of the Week pick: the 2019 Two Shepherds Blanc de Cinsault Ancient Vine Bechtold Vineyard.

Old vineyards hold a special place in the wine world, with 50 years considered the minimal age for a vineyard to be considered “old’ (and for wines from the vineyard to be labeled as “old vine”, and 100+ years may be referred to as “ancient or “ancient vine”

These vines possess exceptional qualities that enable them to produce grapes with concentrated and flavorful taste. Their deep roots allow them to access more nutrients and water, resulting in complex and nuanced aromas and flavors in the wine. Moreover, old vines typically have lower yields, which leads to more concentrated and complex flavors in the grapes. Lastly, they possess a distinctive sense of terroir, reflecting the unique characteristics of the region where they are grown.

Preserving Old Vines

It should be noted that old vines are under threat worldwide due to their lower fruit yields, which pose financial challenges for growers.

In Northern California, there are two organizations committed to preserving old vines – the Historic Vineyard Society and Save the Old, which focuses on Lodi. It’s worth noting that Lodi has the highest concentration of old vines in the United States.

About Bechtold Vineyard

One of the last of the great dry farmed vineyards in Lodi.

Tegan Passalacqua, Director of Winemaking Turley Wine Cellars

The vineyard was originally planted in 1886 by Joseph Spenker. Around 20 years ago the Bechtold family was considering ripping the vines out because they were only being paid about $200 a ton for grapes they called “Malvoisier” After DNA testing at UC Davis the grape were Identified as Cinsault (pronounced Sahn-so), a red grape variety native to France and typically used as a blending grape in the Southern Rhone Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence.

Upon hearing about the gnarly head-trained vineyard, Randall Grahm, the original Rhone Ranger and founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard took an interest and the fate of the vineyard was changed.

The vineyard has been passed down through generations and is currently owned by Spenker’s great granddaughter. The own-rooted (read about what make own-rooted grapes so special here) head-trained, dry-farmed vineyard is meticulously organically farmed by Phillips Farms. It is certified by the Historic Vineyard Society.

In 2020 William Allen of Two Shepherds winery was able to get his hands on some grapes from the esteemed Bechthold vineyard and used them to create a truly unique white wine – the 2019 Two Shepherds Blanc de Cinsault Ancient Vines.

What makes this wine so special, you ask? Well, it’s a white wine made from red wine grapes! William achieved this by following the white wine making process, which involves carefully separating the juice from the skin and seeds. The result is a deliciously distinct and alluring wine.

It was fermented on native yeast, and raised in stainless barrels.

Tasting Note: The sip is a beautiful pale straw yellow color that will catch your eye. Its aroma is a delightful combination of white peach, Asian pear, green mango, pink grapefruit, wet stone, and flint. On the palate, it offers a burst of flavors that include white peach, Asian pear, pineapple, mandarin orange, and grapefruit zest, with a touch of mineral notes that adds to its appeal. It concludes with a medium plus finish that will leave you wanting more.. 11.9% abv|SRP – $30|90pts