Bokisch Vineyards unveils new label
Bokisch Vineyards, of Lodi, is releasing a new label, Bokisch Family Estate, to recognize the importance of their Las Cerezas Vineyard to the contribution of introducing Iberian varieties into California.
This vineyard designated wine is from their Spanish varietal collection and was planted in 1999 with grape cuttings Markus Bokisch sourced from vineyards in the Rias Baixas, Ribera del Duero and Rioja wine regions of Spain.
Markus Bokisch later donated the selections to the Foundation Plant Services of UC Davis. They took a cutting from one vine which is now known as the highly regarded Albariño Clone 1, Graciano Clone 1, and Tempranillo Clone 12 now used throughout California and the United States.
The Las Cerezas Vineyard is a three-acre block at the Bokisch home and is divided evenly between one acre each of Albariño, Tempranillo and Graciano. This was the first Albariño vineyard planted in Lodi and the first Graciano vineyard planted in the United States and is now into its 18th year of production.
The label artwork of old Spanish ceramic tiles is inspired by Markus Bokisch’s family home in Spain, the “Casa Canicio” located right on the town plaza of Sant Carles de la Rapita. Markus’ family roots are in Catalunya Spain where his mother was born and he spent his childhood summers visiting his grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. His love of Spanish wines, food and culture has been influential in his quest to bring Spanish varietals into California.
This new Bokisch Family Estate labeled wine was produced under their winemaker, Elyse Perry, and is limited to only 112 cases of each variety.
The Bokisch Vineyards tasting room is located at 18921 N. Atkins Road, Lodi.