Winemaker Notes
This is a hidden gem in the portfolio. Chateau Montelena’s take on Riesling certainly rewards some bottle age and culinary experimentation, and many are amazed at how easy it is to finish the bottle. The wine offers only a hint of sweetness, and opens up to pretty floral aromatics with orange zest and Bartlett pear elements. Balanced and lively, this is a terrific wine to enhance any occasion.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
Located in northern Mendocino County, the Potter Valley appellation is centered on the town of Potter Valley directly east of Redwood Valley.