# OZV Rosé of Primitivo (2023)

- **Producer:** Oak Ridge Winery
- **Colour:** rosé
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Primitivo
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 7–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, peach, cherry, melon, lemon, orange

## About this wine

OZV is the flagship brand of Oak Ridge Winery, the oldest operating winery in Lodi, California. Originally founded in 1934 as a cooperative, the estate was purchased in 2002 by third-generation grape grower Rudy Maggio. Today, it is owned and operated by his three daughters—Lisa, Shelly, and Raquel Maggio—making it a prominent, family-run, and female-led winery. The name OZV stands for Old Zin Vines, paying homage to Lodi's historic Zinfandel heritage. This Rosé of Primitivo utilizes estate-grown Primitivo, a clonal sibling of Zinfandel, farmed sustainably under the rigorous, third-party certified Lodi Rules program.

## Interesting facts

- OZV stands for 'Old Zin Vines,' celebrating Lodi's historic Zinfandel heritage with its clonal sibling, Primitivo.
- Oak Ridge Winery is Lodi's oldest operating winery, founded in 1934 and now run by three sisters of the Maggio family.
- The estate vineyards are 100% certified sustainable under the rigorous, third-party Lodi Rules program.

## Food pairing

This dry rosé thrives on its bright acidity and light-to-medium body, making it an exceptional partner for light proteins and seafood. The crispness cuts through the richness of creamy cheeses like burrata and the savory elements of brunch dishes, while the delicate fruit profile complements the natural sweetness of shellfish and poultry without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

The 2023 vintage began with a wet winter followed by a cool spring and summer, allowing for a gradual ripening of the estate Primitivo grapes. Harvested in mid-September 2023, the grapes were immediately pressed upon arrival at the winery to limit skin contact and color extraction, achieving a delicate pink hue. Fermentation was conducted at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, vibrant fruit esters. The wine was aged entirely in 100% stainless steel to maintain high-vibrancy fruit profiles and prevent oxidation before bottling.