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5 minute read
A Taste of History
Peltier Winery & Vineyards produces great wine and sustains the land.
Peltier Winery & Vineyards, established in 2001, from its origins to the quality of its wine, keeps farming as its foundation.
Third-generation Lodi, California grower, Rod Schatz, always had an instinct for farming and an entrepreneurial spirit. From a young age, Rod's dream was to own vineyards and farm his way.
The day came in 1985.
After graduating from California Polytechnic State University and marrying his wife and co-proprietor,
Gayla, the pair bought their first piece of land. It was 40 acres of Old Vine Zinfandel in the heart of the Lodi Appellation, where the winery sits today.
Rod spent the next 15 years growing his custom harvest business. He bought more vineyards and mechanical harvesters, managed vineyard crews, and slept most harvest nights in the back of his pickup. All the while, Rod was gaining a reputation for growing high-quality grapes. Then came the year when there was a surplus of grapes that were not sold. This occurred when the boutique winery market was growing in Lodi, and Rod and
Gayla saw an opportunity. In 2001, they built a custom crush facility where their grapes could be processed and sold as bulk wine. This ensured that fruit would never be left hanging, and the quality maintained in the vineyard would carry through to the bulk wine.
A particularly good Petite Sirah was produced in 2005 and inspired the notion that they could produce wine under their own label. At the California State Fair, Peltier Petite Sirah won Best of Class and Best of Region. They've been making exceptional wines ever since and farming over 1,000 acres of Estate Grown grapes in the Lodi Appellation, producing multiple brands and maintaining the quality.
All of its 1,000 acres are farmed sustainably according to Lodi Rules, a third-party certified program created for the Lodi Appellation by a committee of scientists, growers, wildlife biologist, and farm advisors. These are stringent rules that they currently farm by and have been farming by since their greatgrandparents began growing wine grapes. It is the care for the land, air, water, habitat, and employee, with a long-term vision focusing on farming for the future of the land. They were one of the first growers to receive certification for all of their Estate Grown Vineyards.
"For us, sustainability isn't only about honoring what's best for the environment; it's what's necessary to adapt to an everchanging industry and to create a brighter future for generations to come," explains Faryn Schatz, Marketing Manager of Peltier and daughter of the proprietors, Rod and Gayla. “We continuously search for better, more practical ways of producing highquality wine and aren’t afraid to try a new process or idea, like our worm farm.”
THE WORM FARM is an energyefficient way to treat its process water for reuse in the vineyard. This system is a 3,000-square-foot box full of wood shavings and California Red Worms. Process water is pumped over the top of the system on an as-needed basis, and as gravity pulls it down, the worms wiggle around, eating microbes and aerating the system. What comes out is high-quality, regenerated water, free of 99% of wastewater contaminants for reuse in the vineyard. The process takes just four days instead of the two weeks it takes traditional systems, and they can use 95% less energy.
The list of wines includes:
Peltier Estate Vermentino
The 2021 Vermentino was sent to Cagliari, the capital of the Italian island of Sardinia, where about half of the world's Vermentino is grown, to the second Vermentino International Wine Concourse. That wine was awarded the Grand Gold Medal with 95 points and a Top 5 ranking from the competition. Peltier’s
Picked early for low alcohol, low sugar, and high acidity, Peltier’s Vermentino is incredibly aromatic, refreshing and requires minimal winemaking intervention.
"It was intriguing to take a chance on a lesserknown varietal when they planted it to see what they could do. They're always trying to innovate and differentiate themselves. The thing about taking a risk is that whether the outcome is what you want or not, you learn something. They knew its Vermentino was good; this award tells the rest of the world," explains Faryn.
Nose: Fresh Quince | Meyer Lemon | Green Apple
Flavor: D’anjou Pear | Crenshaw Melon | Minerality |
Lemongrass
Color: Light Straw
Mouthfeel: Crisp | Fresh
Acidity: High
Body: Light
Finish: Juicy | Crisp | Invigorating
RS: 0.24 g/L
ABV: 12.5%
The Gala Sparkling Rosé Wine - Brut Nature
The approach of a milestone birthday celebration for Peltier’s proprietors became the perfect occasion to produce their very first sparkling wine. Made in the Méthode Champenoise, where the last stage of fermentation happens in the bottle, this wine is 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A delicate mouthfeel builds in the middle with bubbles and is meant as much for a special occasion as a Tuesday night because life should be filled with lavish moments!
Nose: Stone Fruit | Nectarine | Peach | Apricot |
Pear
Flavor: Nectarine |Pineapple | Green Apple
Color: Pale Copper
Mouthfeel: Delicate | Mid-Palate builds with bubbles | Silky
Acidity: Medium/High
Body: Round
Finish: Dry | Silky | Long, Fruit Finish
RS: 0.2 g/l
ABV: 12%
Schatz Family Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon - Barrel Select
This reserve Cabernet is the epitome of exceptional winemaking. The natural characteristics of the varietal and vineyard personality shine and are elevated by 18 months spent in New French Oak Barrels. Rich tannins associated with Cabernet are present yet softened and barrel selection was based on the most fruit forward and aromatic qualities.
Nose: Black Currant | Plum | Blueberry | Roasted
Coffee | Dark Chocolate
Flavor: Blueberry | Dark Roasted Coffee | Dark
Chocolate | Vanilla
Color: Deep Purple
Tannin: High Tannins
Mouthfeel: Lush
Acidity: Medium
Body: Full
Finish: Dark Chocolate-Covered Coffee Beans
RS: .58 g/L
ABV: 14.5%
There is a tasting room with a guided experience from its friendly hosts or self-exploration; the options are abundant, with 24 wines, and open daily.
The Peltier Diamond Wine Club offers everyone the opportunity to join with no fee, only payment of the cost of the wine, plus tax and shipping if applicable. Wines are fully customizable, with discounts, events, and other benefits.
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The Schatzs have always been forward-thinking, advocates for California growers, and dedicated to helping others. As a past Chairman of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and President of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, Rod has promoted the California winegrape growing industry locally and nationwide. The success and improvement of California agriculture will forever be a driving force in Rodney's life. Gayla has dedicated much of her life to the community as a past member and president of Children's Home of Stockton and a long-time American Cancer Society volunteer.
"As farmers first, we’ll always focus on quality in the vineyard. It's what allows the natural characteristics of a varietal and the vineyard personality to show, it’s what makes us unique. Peltier Wines are made for those times spent with friends and family lingering over a good meal and we hope that everyone who opens a bottle feels welcome at our table.” says Faryn.
Peltier Winery & Vineyards
22150 N. Kennefick Road
Acampo, California 95220 peltierwinery.com
Facebook @ peltierwinery