Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay

In the realm of new world regions, Chateau Ste. Michelle is truly a timeless classic, the founding winery of Washington State. Established in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered vinifera grape growing in Washington State and has been producing top class European varietal wines under the Chateau Ste. Michelle label since 1967. The winery combines an ongoing dedication to research and innovation with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions to craft the highest quality wines from Washington across many price points. This dedication to excellence and commitment to quality have allowed Chateau Ste. Michelle a place among the pre-eminent wine producers of the world.

Vineyards

Chateau Ste. Michelle owns 3,500 acres in Washington state's renowned Columbia Valley. The Columbia Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) is a region separated from Seattle's rainy, marine climate by the Cascade Mountains. The mountains shield the rain, limiting annual rainfall to 6-8 inches, allowing their vineyard managers to control vine vigour through irrigation. All vines in the Columbia Valley are planted on their own rootstock, which helps us maintain the health and longevity of our vineyards and preserves the grape variety in its natural state.

Vinification

Malolactic fermentation followed alcoholic fermentation to add richness and complexity, and the wine was blended with 35% tank fermented Chardonnay for a fresh style. The wine is rested on its lees for over six months in a mix of French and American oak barrels (35% new) with regular stirring to soften the wine and integrate fruit and oak flavours.

Tasting Notes

This Columbia Valley Chardonnay has a fresh, soft style with bright apple and sweet citrus fruit character with hints of spice and subtle nuances of oak. Columbia Valley's cool climate is perfect for producing complex Burgundian style Chardonnay.

Great with crab, poultry, salmon and scallops, dressed with aromatics like ginger, lemon zest, tarragon and thyme.