Lodi’s Organic Bokisch Vineyards Sparkling Albarino and Rosado Paired with Turkey and Trimmings

What’s the best way to brighten up the dark days of winter? Sparkling organic wine, of course! And you’ll be happy to know that if you have both a rosado as well on the table, you’ll have a wine that works from a greeter wine to a dinner of turkey and all the way to apple pie.

We tested this theory with Bokisch — the family who pioneered organic wine grape farming in Lodi. They farm their 880 acres organically following Lodi Rules with 303 acres certified organic– and they just began offering a sparkling Albarino and a sparkling rosado! That these wines should pair well with a traditional holiday meal shouldn’t be a surprise as Bokisch prides themselves on their passion to produce food friendly wines with a focus on Spanish grapes grown sustainably and produced with respect for people and planet. In fact, they’ve recently planted the grapes used in Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain. Read about their Tempranillo here. Bokisch is one of the wineries I have written about for Slow Wine Guide for two years now, and I nominated them for a Snail Award.

Check out Slow Wine Guide to discover more amazing pesticide free wines, and order one for a gift along from a wine in the guide! 2023 edition out soon! 

Markus Bokisch studied enology at UC Davis where he met wife Liz. After graduating, they traveled and worked in Spain; his family’s roots are in Catalan. They returned to the US and in 1995 purchased land in Clement Hills to make their dream come true of making wine from Spanish grapes for Americans. In 2005, he began farming organically, and in 2016, Elyse Perry took over winemaking duties.

“We just added some acreage with new varieties — more unusual Spanish varietals to make Spanish sparkling possibly a California Cava!” Liz Bokisch told me during the 2022 harvest and pointing out that these grapes have “sexy sounding  names if you know how to say them!”

We love Bokisch wines because 

• They are pioneers when it comes to committing to sustainability.
• Their wines are made with organic grapes. 
• They don’t break the bank offering quality wines for an affordable price.           
• They grow great Lodi fruit– plenty of ripeness, plenty of acidity, freshness and flavor.
• They have a beautiful tasting and large picnic area.  

Lodi’s Organic Bokisch Vineyards Sparkling Albarino and Rosado Paired with Turkey and Trimmings

WINES

• Bokisch Vineyards Sparkling Rosado, Terra Alta Vineyard, Clements Hills, Lodi, CA
• Bokisch Vineyards Sparkling Albarino, Terra Alta Vineyard, Clements Hills, Lodi, CA

Both wines are made in the traditional method at a production facility in Lodi. This means they make the wine and can easily monitor the process of making it sparkle. While the current vintage is sold out at the winery, you can still pick up or order a bottle from the Lodi Winegrape Commission. The Visitor Center and Tasting Room is open daily — and it’s not that far off from the 99 or the 5 if you’re headed north or south in the Golden State anytime soon. And if you’re headed to Lodi to do some tasting, birdwatching, cycling, or kayaking, you definitely want to stop at the Lodi Winegrape Commission first for the lowdown on Lodi wine.

MENU

• oysters
• crab bisque 
• apple and pomegranate blue cheese salad 
• baked dressing
• mashed potatoes
• turkey gravy
• smoked turkey

Bokisch Vineyards Sparkling Rosado, Terra Alta Vineyard, Clements Hills, Lodi, CA with smoked turkey

Bokisch Vineyards Sparkling Rosado, Terra Alta Vineyard, Clements Hills, Lodi, CA

ABV: 12.5%
SRP: $36
Grapes: 100% organic Graciano

Appearance: Very foamy bubbles, pale pink, cherry blossom pink, big foam dissipates into tiny bubbles that cling to the outside of the glass, 

Aroma: Fruit forward, cherry, raspberry, raspberry danish, cherry phosphate

Palate: Tart ripe cherry, fresh juicy raspberry, rose petal finish, interesting texture, minerality throughout the palate, lingering mouthfeel and raspberry finish. 

Pairing: Smoked foods are this wine’s friends. Smoked turkey is fabulous, especially the dark meat. Worked really well even with a nice amount of cranberry relish! Great with the dressing too. 

Bokisch Vineyards, Sparkling Albarino, organic

Bokisch Vineyards, Sparkling Albarino, Terra Alta Vineyard, Clements Hills, Lodi, CA

ABV: 11.5%
SRP: $36
Grapes: 100% organic Albarino

Appearance:  Very pale yellow, foamy bubbles up front which dissipates into tiny bubbles that come out from the bottom of the glass. 

Aroma: White green grapes, apple danish, Granny Smith apples, 

Palate: Tastes like an American sparkling wine right off the bat. Granny Smith apples, there is a bit of lemon, some salinity, 

Pairing: Oysters and salad were my favorites pairings with this wine, but I also enjoyed it with the turkey especially with the gravy. The apple gallette which had lots of spice but low on sugar paired well also. 

Bokisch Vineyards, Sparkling Albarino, Terra Alta Vineyard, Clements Hills, Lodi, C