Columbia Valley Riesling, Chateau Ste. Michelle
Easy-drinking Riesling from Columbia Valley’s oldest winery, with apple blossom on the nose, crisp apples in the mouth and a fine, steely minerality.
Columbia Valley vineyards lie in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receive just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. Warm, sunny days and cool evening temperatures create ideal conditions for intense aroma and flavor development in the ripening grapes. A northerly latitude gives the Columbia Valley nearly two more hours of sunlight daily during the peak-growing season than California, increasing the region’s ability to ripen fruit.
Fermentation temperatures were maintained at 13°-15°C to preserve the Riesling’s fresh and fruity character, using an assortment of yeasts for added complexity. The winery includes a “Riesling Taste Profile” scale on the back label to help consumers understand that they are purchasing a Riesling that is made in a “medium-dry” style.
Try with fresh fruit, dressed crab, mild cheeses and chicken dishes with herb and spice flavours such as chervil, coriander seeds, dill and parsley.
