Chateau St Michelle "Columbia Valley" Riesling - Washington State, USA

blossom | crisp apples | minerality
Grape: Riesling
Region: Columbia Valley, USA
Winemaking: 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. 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.