# Columbia Valley Syrah (2020)

- **Producer:** Chateau Ste. Michelle
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Viognier, Grenache
- **Region:** Washington, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, black cherry, black plum, black pepper, cloves, vanilla, tobacco, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Syrah is a red wine from Washington State, USA, produced by Chateau Ste. Michelle. The 2020 vintage primarily features Syrah, with small additions of Viognier or Grenache. The grapes are sourced from various vineyards within the Columbia Valley AVA, including the Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, and Snipes Mountain. Chateau Ste. Michelle, founded in 1934, is recognized as Washington's oldest winery. This particular Syrah is crafted to be an approachable and fruit-forward representation of the varietal from the region.

## Interesting facts

- Washington's founding winery, established in 1934.
- Grapes hail from diverse vineyards across the Columbia Valley AVA.
- A touch of Viognier or Grenache often enhances aromatic complexity.
- Bronze award winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2023.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and soft tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of grilled and roasted meats. The juicy fruit profile can balance the savory and smoky notes often found in BBQ dishes, while the subtle oak influence can harmonize with herbs and spices.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Syrah 2020 involves fermentation using pumpover and délestage techniques to manage color, flavor, and tannin extraction. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging for 14 months in a mix of oak barrels, comprising 20% new French oak, 10% new American oak, and 70% neutral oak. The grapes are sourced from various vineyards within the Columbia Valley AVA, which is known for its favorable climate for grape growing.