18 Jun Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Kinetic Cellars 2018 Tinto Moderno Red Table Wines, Alta Mesa AVA, Lodi

It’s fun to be different and unfamiliar, and that’s exactly what Kinetic Cellars is all about. A young brand, adaptable and inspired by the movement of change, their Tinto Moderno Red Table Wine perfectly captures that spirit. This approachable red blend from the Alta Mesa AVA in Lodi is made to be enjoyed in the moment. No pretension, just a great wine to share with friends and food whenever you are ready to switch things up and embrace something fresh. And that is why the Kinetic Cellars 2018 Tinto Moderno Red Table Wines, Alta Mesa AVA, Lodi is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Kinetic Cellars

Kinetic Cellars is a young winery, and winemaker Cole Denis is bringing fresh energy to an old craft while marching to the beat of his own drum. Kinetic focuses on distinctive and uncommon grape varieties, primarily of Iberian and Mediterranean origin. These so-called forgotten grapes, Cole says, “have so much personality to them.”

That individuality extends to the cellar, too. While Cole respects the natural process of fermentation, he describes his approach as “thoughtful interventionist.” He doesn’t take a heavy hand in the winemaking, but he manages the wines with consistency and intention. The result? Wines that mature with character and develop personalities all their own.

Tasting Notes

The Kinetic Cellars 2018 Tinto Moderno Red Table Wines, Alta Mesa AVA, Lodi is Cole’s take on a blend of several classic Portuguese varieties native to the Douro River Valley. The field blend includes a proprietary mixture that is Touriga Nacional dominant, mixed with Touriga Francesa, Alvarelhão, Tinta Roriz, and Souzao. The grapes are all sourced from the Alta Mesa AVA in the Lodi area. The Portuguese-inspired blend makes a very easy-drinking wine. The wine has lovely fruit-forward aromas of raspberry, cherry cranberry, blackberry, and blueberry, as well as violet notes and a light touch of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is smooth and easy to sip with clean acidity.

Food Pairing

A balanced, red table wine, this is an easy wine to put on the dinner table to pair with just about anything. I enjoyed the wine with my dinner of pan seared salmon, Portobello mushrooms with herbed butter, and steamed asparagus. Other pairing ideas include grilled salmon, roasted chicken, and pork tenderloin. This table wine is perfect to have on the table with any homecooked meal.

Where To Purchase

You won’t believe me when I tell you this, but the Kinetic Cellars 2018 Tinto Moderno Red Table Wines, Alta Mesa AVA, Lodi retails for only $15! That is a domestic, California-made wine for the price typically found in European wines. To purchase a bottle (or more), visit the Kinetic Cellars website.