Lolonis Ladybug Red shines as organically grown wine

   "We are farmers who have close ties to our land and our wines". - Petros Lolonis

Continuing on the subject of organically grown wines, there is an excellent example of a reasonably-priced red from Redwood Valley in Mendocino (north of Sonoma and  Napa), California--Lolonis winery Ladybug Red, $13, a blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Merlot and Cabernet.

It looks like Redwood Valley has the highest number of organic wines per capita grown in California. Great news. Lolonis is a family-owned winery that has been practicing organic farming since the 1950s. The wine derives its name from ladybugs which were actually used in the vineyards as natural predators to help keep pests from the vines--a practice that continues to this day.

This is a very ready-to-drink, fruity but with character kind of wine that can be enjoyed by folks with many discerning tastes. It's a consistent, quality wine that is also widely available, easily recognizable, and will make a great gift for those who make an effort to consume organic and sustainable foods and beverages.

Ivy Restaurant in Downtown Crossing has the Ladybug as part of their $26/bottle wine program, which I took advantage of during the "Appetite Stimulus Plan" week in Boston back in November. Everyone in my company genuinely enjoyed the wine.

This is a fantastic example of an organically grown wine without comprising quality by not adding sulfites. It doesn't need to be labeled "organic" for us to appreciate the winemakers' practices.

Cheers!