# Columbia Valley Riesling (2023)

- **Producer:** Chateau Ste. Michelle
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Washington, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, peach, apricot, lemon, lime, blossom

## About this wine

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State's founding winery, with roots dating back to the repeal of Prohibition. Located in the Columbia Valley, the winery has played a pioneering role in establishing Washington as a world-class wine region. Known globally for its Riesling program, Chateau Ste. Michelle crafts this classic bottling to showcase the bright, fruit-forward character of the Columbia Valley AVA, where warm, sunny days and cool nights preserve the grape's natural acidity and vibrant aromatics.

## Interesting facts

- Chateau Ste. Michelle is the single largest producer of Riesling in the world.
- The winery was built on the historic 1912 estate of lumber baron Frederick Stimson.
- Their Riesling program was elevated through a long-standing partnership with German Mosel legend Ernst Loosen.

## Food pairing

The off-dry style and vibrant acidity of this Riesling make it an exceptional partner for spicy Asian cuisine, as the touch of sweetness tames the heat while the high acidity cuts through rich or fried elements. It also pairs beautifully with lean proteins like pork and poultry, especially when accompanied by fruit-based sauces.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested during the cool morning hours to preserve fresh fruit flavors. After gentle pressing, the juice is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using selected yeast strains. Fermentation is stopped early by chilling the wine to retain a touch of natural residual sugar, balancing the grape's high natural acidity and creating its signature off-dry style.