Virtual Tasting Room

Vino Con Brio

By Thom Elkjer, Wine Editor

Don’t kick yourself if you’ve never heard of Vino Con Brio. Just go visit. The Matson family may look like the typical all-American family, but they’re growing some unusual wine grapes and coming up with interesting blends you won’t find anywhere else. The tasting room is open on weekend afternoons, or by appointment if you call ahead with a bit of notice (7889 E. Harney Lane, near Highway 12 west of Lodi, 209-727-3678). You can also make a weekend out of your visit with a stay at the Matsons’ Amorosa Inn and Gardens. Owners Mike and Renae Matson are long-time Lodi residents, so they can give you the inside story on Lodi’s rocket ride to rising star status among California wine regions. While you’re there, give these wines a try:

	Pinot Grigio Lodi Estate 2004 ($16): made in the smooth, succulent Pinot Gris style of Oregon, this mouth-filling wine is weightier than most Grigios and also riper. Thai food, anyone?
	2004 White Wine Lodi Estate “Brillante” 2004 ($16): a winning example of one of today’s best wine trends: exotic white blends. This one combines Viognier, Roussanne and Pinot Grigio to deliver a luscious fruity entry followed by a juicy, lip-smacking finish.
	Pinotage Lodi Estate 2003 ($20.00): the grape is a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, invented in South Africa; only a few examples are made in California, and this is one of the most consistently pleasurable. Not California’s biggest red, but one of its most interesting.
	Zinfandel Lodi Estate “Matzin” 2003 ($21): Lodi is joining Amador County and Dry Creek among California’s top Zin regions, and this newly released bottling shows why: big yet balanced, melding red and black fruit with spice, earth, and a touch of oak. Well made wine.