Wine Columnist Michelle Williams’ latest piece for Forbes delves into the history, perception and quality of Napa Valley Riesling. Chateau Montelena is one of the four producers in the region that she highlights. Winemaker Matt Crafton speaks with the writer about the history of Montelena’s Riesling in the 1970s, and how it still continues to be one of his favorite wines that they make. He elaborates on the importance of the grape growing climate and soil for this wine, which is produced from Potter Valley Riesling fruit. He hopes to change perception about this varietal overall by hoping that consumers have an “A-Ha moment, realizing they do like Riesling,” after trying theirs! Adding, “but most of all, I want them all to recognize the wine as delicious. If we haven’t been able to convey that in the bottle, we haven’t done our job.” Read the full story here
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Chateau Montelena
Potter Valley Riesling 2017
Mendocino, California
Riesling is a hidden gem within the Chateau Montelena portfolio. Many people don’t know it exists, and once they do – they keep coming back for more. Stylistically, it is amazingly refreshing with notes of lemon blossom, honeysuckle and rose petal that are balanced by lively acidity
Related Producers
Chateau Montelena
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world. That year a who's-who of the French wine establishment gathered in Paris for a blind tasting of French and American wines. When the scores were tallied, the top-ranking white wine was Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay. Montelena today continues to be a quality benchmark in Napa Valley, producing some of the finest Cabernet and Chardonnay in California.
