Napa Valley Riesling Then and Now

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

Forbes January 30 2019