“Wine Guru” Calls Acquiesce Wine Winners “Unprecedented”
The glorious history of wine is filled with groundbreaking moments that reset our impressions of a continent, a region, or AVA (American Viticultural Area) forever. We’ve witnessed another historical turn at this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition: the recognition of Lodi, California, as an exceptional growing region for white wine. Lodi’s red wine reputation has grown significantly in recent years, but the success of Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards’ all white wine focus can only be described as revolutionary.
Four Acquiesce wines emerged from the competition to claim an unprecedented four “Best of Class” awards at North America’s most prestigious juried wine competition. More impressive still, all four of these labels were selected by the judges for the coveted sweepstakes round.
The 2020 Mokelumne River Viognier emerged victorious as Best White Wine in what can only be described as a podium sweep for Acquiesce Winery. The 2020 Viognier was joined in the sweepstakes by Acquiesce Picpoul Blanc, Acquiesce Roussanne, and Acquiesce Grenache Blanc.
As one can clearly see and will more clearly taste, these vintages are not our parents’ whites; they’re a daring quartet of forward-tasting wines that will continue to upend our perception of what a white wine can be.
2019 Belle blanc
Bourboulenc 2020
Clairette Blanche 2020
Grenache Blanc 2020
Club membership offers great perks: first selection to these limited production wines, 20% discount on all wine purchases, and participation in the Elevated Tasting Experience by appointment Thursday to Sunday, 11 to 5, free for Acquiesce Club Members. Non-club members are welcome to reserve the Elevated Tasting Experience for just $20 per person. The flight of four award-winning wines is selected from the small-batch vintages that showcase the terroir of the Acquiesce Estate Vineyard’s exceptional white wine varieties. Each white or rosé wine is paired with a savory bite.
Located in the heart of Lodi’s wine region, the Lodi Rules sustainably farmed 18-acre Acquiesce vineyard offers inside and outside seating for the Elevated Tasting Experience. A century-old barn houses the tasting room, and guests can walk through the historic sliding doors to explore a flight indoors or sit outside and gaze at the 100-acre vista of this bucolic setting. Guests are invited to explore the vineyard itself, too.
The exceptional wines you taste at Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards have not only received the highest accolades from the 2022 SF Chronicle Wine Competition. In addition to the 2022 Best White Wine at SFCWC, the 2020 Viognier received Best of Class & Double Gold Medal at the 2021 International Women’s Wine Competition and Best of Class at the 2021 American Fine Wine Competition, among others.
The 2020 Picpoul Blanc, another Best of Class winner in San Francisco, received Best White Wine and a Double Gold at the 2021 American Wine Society Commercial Competition, in addition to other Double Gold Medals at other prestigious competitions. Best of Class 2020 Grenache Blanc and the 2018 Sparkling Grenache Blanc received a Gold Medal at the 2021 Sunset International Wine Competition and 2020 SF Chronicle Wine Competition, respectively. These prestigious wines are joined by many other Gold Medal winners on the Acquiesce Winery and Vineyards website and, often, in the Elevated Tasting Experience.
This case full of medals is more than substantiated by the all-important public judges of Acquiesce wines, individuals like Jonathan, who declares the 2020 Picpoul Blanc his new favorite, noting he “loves the crispness” in his 5-star review. Penny issued her 5 stars for the 2020 Grenache Rosé, which she says has a “lovely mouth feel, with a flavorful nose and refreshing sip. GREAT with meals or just relaxing on the patio with friends.”
Club member Sue Ewing calls Acquiesce the "best white wines ever…all of them so unique. And a female winemaker to boot."
Winemaker and Acquiesce owner Susan Tipton has established Lodi’s first estate-grown Rhône varietals in a region overrun with Zinfandel grapes. Having first planted her estate in 2008, Tipton’s determination to establish grapes varieties including Grenache Blanc and Viognier has paid off. Whether you visit the winery, join the wine club, or order an award-winning bottle online, Acquiesce wines have arrived. Visit the Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards website to learn more.
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“Wine guru” Mike Dunne, who calls this Best of Class sweep unprecedented, explains that each Acquiesce label was up against formidable competition.
“More than 5,800 wines from throughout North America were entered, broken down into almost 200 classes, evaluated by some 50 judges. And these weren’t small classes. The Acquiesce Picpoul Blanc was up against 41 other white varietal wines. The Acquiesce Roussanne competed with 19 others. The Acquiesce Viognier was up against 52 others.”
Dunne notes that the Acquiesce quartet also encountered formidable and varied competition in the sweepstakes, including very familiar fellow competitors.
“Remarkably, all four Acquiesce best-of-class wines were nominated for the sweepstakes round, which included 13 white wines, including a classically rich Chardonnay, a spirited Sauvignon Blanc, a peachy and spicy Riesling, and a lychee-lined Chenin Blanc from Mexico. With four candidates in the lineup, Acquiesce not only was competing against that strong and diverse field, it was also competing against itself for the top award. Nevertheless, the fragrant and mellifluous Acquiesce 2020 Lodi Mokelumne River Viognier ($32) emerged as the competition’s best white wine.” No longer should Lodi be seen as the land of only hearty red wines.
Owner and winemaker Susan Tipton, was named “Queen of White Rhône Wines” by Master of Wine, Dr. Liz Thach as Susan focuses on white Rhône varietals made in small lots which tend to sell out every year. These wines are only available in the tasting room or online from the Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards website. In addition to Best of Class wines Picpoul Blanc 2020, Grenache Blanc 2020, and Roussanne 2020, you can find Wine Club member favorites Ingénue 2020 or even a one of a kind Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Grenache Blanc!
By StoryStudio on February 23, 2022 9:43 AM
"best white wines ever…all of them so unique. And a female winemaker to boot."
Club Member, Sue Ewing
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2020 Grenache Rosé
2020 Ingénue
2019 Picpoul Blanc
2018 Roussanne
2018 Sparkling Grenache Blanc
2020 Viognier