Acquiesce Winery 2018 Ingénue: Another Gem from Lodi’s only Dedicated White Wine Winery

Hello Friends,

When it comes to growing wine grapes in Lodi, California, it’s not a matter of what grows well; it’s more like, what doesn’t grow well? Not many US wine regions offer such diversity, there are more than 100 grape varieties in production today. The region’s small, family-run wineries are pushing the quality envelope, producing wines that can truly compete on the world stage.

The landscape of the wine industry is as varied as the stories of the interesting mix of people behind the wines. Take, for example, Sue Tipton, proprietor and winemaker of Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards. Mrs. Tipton had a European experience by way of a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape—a wine from a highly-regarded appellation in the southern Rhône of France—in the mid-2000s. After this notable discovery, she was determined to make wines of similar character and quality in Lodi.

Acquiesce Winery 2018 Ingénue

A rebel with a cause, she courageously set out to grow and produce limited-production estate wines only from select Rhone grapes—some with little consumer recognition, and with names that don’t roll off the tongue very well (e.g., Bourboulenc). More daring, she wasn’t producing any red wines in a region historically known for red wines. That was almost 10 years ago, and to this day, the closest you’ll get to a red wine in Sue’s production facility is rosé. 

During a recent virtual chat with the good folks at Snooth, I had an opportunity to taste her new blend, Ingénue, set to be released July 12, 2019. This blend of Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Picpoul Blanc is pure bliss, and like many of her other wines, it showcases freshness, energy, and purity. These are beautiful wines. For further information and where you can find this gem, please see my tasting notes below.

“I ‘acquiesce’ [surrender] to nature, the vineyard and the wine when handcrafting these classic, premium, food-friendly wines made… by hand …by me.” ~ Susan Tipton, Winemaker & Owner, Acquiesce Winery 

Acquiesce Winery 2018 Ingénue (SRP $32): This bottling represents the inaugural vintage of Ingénue, meaning “an innocent or novice.” But don’t be fooled by the name; the wine is anything but. It’s composed of 35% Clairette Blanche, 35% Grenache Blanc, 20% Bourboulenc, and 10% Picpoul Blanc. Pale straw in color, this deliciously refreshing Rhone-inspired blend offers inviting aromas of wet stone, rose petals, and clean, citrusy notes that merge with honeysuckle and bright yellow-fleshed fruit on the palate. In the mouth, it is medium-bodied with streamlined texture, supported by a racy backbone of acid and a vibrant finish. Not only the perfect way to cap a summer day, it’s also a bottle to enjoy with family and friends when you gather around the table to share food, fun, and conversation. Only 350 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Mokelumne River, Lodi, California. Other info: ABV 13%, certified sustainable per Lodi Rules, all stainless, cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine (Remember, it won’t be released until July, but you can always call the tasting room at 209.333.6102).