Welcome to McManis Zinfandel
McManis Zinfandel is launching this week as a Vintages Essential wine, which means you will always be able to find it along with McManis Cabernet Sauvignon, already an Essentials product. This launch is the perfect opportunity to tell you more about McManis, and specifically, to link back to our feature last week on “green” wines and highlight this winery’s focus on sustainability at all levels of business.
Sustainability for McManis begins with family and an approach to farming that preserves both land and vocation for many generations to come. Since they began farming the North-Central Valley in California in 1938, McManis has been known for premium grape growing through the use of select rootstocks and clones that perform well in the soils and micro-climates of the northern interior, along with carefully considered and labour intensive fruit management. A commitment to quality grew into one of sustainability, which encompasses not only a higher standard of farming practices to protect the land, but also a commitment to the people who work at McManis and to the larger community.
McManis is certified under the Lodi Rules Program, a certification created by farmers and accredited by scientists that includes managing water use, improving soil quality, using natural pest management and enhancing biodiversity. On the people side it promotes generational farming and creating an equitable and safe working environment for employees along with engaging and supporting neighbours and the community. The end goal is of course growing “exceptional, flavorful grapes to turn into remarkable wines” (lodirules.org), exactly what McManis does. In 2016, McManis was awarded the California Green Medal Award for Sustainable Winegrowing in Business, in recognition of creating a smarter business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovations from implementing sustainable practices.
We are always happy to share the story of a winery doing good while making great wine and we are especially happy that you can now enjoy McManis Zinfandel more often through Vintages Essentials.
McManis Family Vineyards 2020 Zinfandel, Lodi
Retail: $21.95 / btl
Click HERE to order!
The Wine
McManis Family Vineyards 2020 Zinfandel, Lodi
Lodi is one of the best regions for California’s heritage grape: Zinfandel. This popular wine includes small additions of Teroldego and Petite Sirah and was matured in French oak. Expect shades of vanilla and coconut underlying the ripe dark berry, cherry and bright strawberry notes.
90 points and a BEST BUY wine – Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast
“This full-flavored and appetizingly tannic wine offers generous toasted oak and grilled meat aromas. The palate boasts good, pure blackberry and raspberry flavors and a mouthfilling sense of concentration.”
Click HERE to order!
About McManis Family Vineyards
The McManis family has been farming California’s North-Central Valley since 1938. When we started working with Jamie & Ron McManis – fourth generation farmers – in early 2002, they had just released the first vintage of their eponymous wines. It was fewer than 10,000 cases of the 2000 vintage, from estate and purchased fruit, and we were knocked out by the unparalleled value and appealing style of their wines.
Since then, McManis has taken on a life of its own, growing to more than 3,600 acres of sustainably-farmed estate vineyards and almost 400,000 cases annual production. The McManis family is the only vineyard owner in the ‘River Junction’ AVA – the smallest appellation in California. This cool growing area allows premium white grapes like Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Gris to reach their full potential. The majority of the family’s vineyards are located in Clarksburg, Lodi, Jahant-Lodi, Mokelumne River, and Clements Hills appellations – allowing them to find the best terroir for each grape variety. As a result, each of the McManis varietal wines is appellation specific.
The wines, winery and vineyards are Certified Sustainable under the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, among the most stringent certification bodies in the state. McManis was also awarded the Green Medal for Leadership by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance
Until the late 1990s, Ron & Jamie sold all of their grapes to other wineries. They continue to supply grapes, as well as finished and bulk wines, to a number of high-profile Napa and Sonoma wineries. This winery-to-winery business remains the largest part of the picture for McManis, typically about 80% of their capacity. However, what’s most satisfying for the family is putting their own name on the labels, and they’ve set a very high standard for the quality and value of these wines, reserving the best-of-the-best for the McManis label.
Winemaker Mike Robustelli has been with McManis since the 1999 harvest. Tanya (administration) and Justin McManis (production), and Tanya’s husband Dirk (vineyards), have joined their parents in the business, becoming the fifth generation to farm this region. As the San Francisco Chronicle says, “McManis makes honest, affordable table wines that outperform the competition.”
The McManis varietal wines are Estate Grown, Appellation-Specific, Certified Sustainable, and Vegan Friendly. And of course – family owned and operated. Authentic wines, outstanding value.
www.mcmanisfamilyvineyards.com
