Ridgely Evers and Daniel Fitzgerald had the idea for producing wine from Vermentino and Sangiovese grape varieties in Lodi, California. The inspiration for their company, which they named AVIVO, began with a simple yet powerful idea: to craft delicious, affordable, climate-positive wines that bring people together. They understood that the future of winemaking is interconnected with the preservation and enhancement of the environment, and the well-being of the people at the center of the industry. They used Vermentino and Sangiovese varieties that thrive in the Mediterranean climate to allow them to cope with the hot climate of Lodi, California thanks to their great capacity to stand the hot dry temperatures.
AVIVO White Wine 2022 made from 100% Vermentino sourced from Ledbetter Family Vineyards in Lodi, CA, from two sites: on the bench in rocky, well drained soils, as well as along the edge of the Mokelumne River in sandy alluvial soils. The vineyards are farmed regeneratively (Certified Regenerative by A Greener World) without the use of glyphosates (RoundUp) or other pre- or post-emergents. In fact, AVIVO is one of just three American wine brands certified to be glyphosate-free. Regenerative farming helps minimize its carbon emissions while increasing the sequestration potential of its vineyards. The winery uses regenerative practices such as cover crops and composting to enhance the health of the vines and grapes, allowing it to produce vibrant, complex, and terroir-driven wines.
Harvest was on on September 14, 2022. The grapes were whole-cluster pressed to tank and cold settled overnight. The resulting juice was racked off heavy solids to tank and neutral barrels. Fermentations were 100% indigenous. The tank portion fermented at 62F to retain aromatics while the barrel fermentations were carried out without temperature control to promote yeast autolysis for palate texture and complexity. To preserve acidity, malolactic fermentation was not allowed. Aged in neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel for 9 months. The finished wine was bottled in July 2023. The wine has hints of stone fruit, lemon, apple and orange blossoms, white peaches, with a note of ginger and good acidity. $24
Summer Risotto — Italian short grain rice simmered with zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, shallots, celery, fava beans and finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano.
AVIVO Rosé Wine made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Syrah. Grapes are sourced from Ledbetter Family Vineyards in Lodi, CA, the Sangiovese and Syrah are planted on the bench in rocky, well drained soil. Harvest was on August 24, 2021. The 2021 harvest will be remembered as an outstanding vintage. While 90% of the grapes were de-stemmed only and transferred by gravity to open-top fermenters, the other 10% was left whole cluster and added to the bottom of the tank. A long, cool 5-day cold soak was performed. The must was then left to warm on its own and fermented with indigenous yeast to promote complexity and terroir. The new wine was pressed off slightly before dryness to minimize harsh phenols and retain its core of fruit. It finished fermentation in stainless steel. Malolactic was completed with indigenous flora in neutral barrels. Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 9 months. The finished wine was bottled in July 2022. The wine has hints of red berries, cherries, rhubarb, pomegranate, a hint of peppercorn, and a long fresh finish. $24
AVIVO wines are made with a light touch. Indigenous yeasts are used for the fermentation and no mysterious additives, colors or sugars are added, allowing the unique character of the grapes and vineyards to shine through. To further reduce its carbon footprint, AVIVO packages its wines in lightweight glass and uses Nomacorc Ocean corks made from recycled marine plastic waste. They are all natural, biodynamic and organic with low sulfite and mineral intervention.