Chateau Ste Michelle
Let's leave Napa Valley, Italy, and France and go somewhere a little unexpected.
To understand the history behind Chateau Ste. Michelle, we have to transport to, none other than, the beautiful state of Washington.
Let's get to know a bit about Chateau Ste. Michelle's history, Washington State, the delicious wine they offer, and some food pairings.
The Beginning Of The Michelle Wine Estates
Although the Michelle estate dates back to 1912, Chateau Ste. Michelle entered the wine industry in the late 1960s.
In 1967, Ste Michelle Vineyards launched. Although the beginning was quiet, the wine brand would see significant success as it grew.
Does the name Andre Tchelistcheff ring a bell? It certainly should. Andre Tchelistcheff was a powerhouse in the wine industry. His knowledge of wine-making is unlike any other. He's worked with brands you may be familiar with: Beaulieu Vineyards, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and Robert Mondavi. There's a reason they call him the Maestro. He's an award-winning winemaker, rightfully so.
With Andre Tchelistcheff as part of the team, Chateau Ste. Michelle began producing premium wine. Today, Chateau Ste. Michelle is the second-largest producer of premium wine. But before it was formally known as Chateau Ste. Michelle, it was Ste. Michelle Vintners.
What do you get when you have a wine brand that values old-world-style grapes with new technology and sustainability? You get Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine!
But what happens when you take Tuscany's Piero Antinori and Chateau Ste. Michelle and blend them together for a collaboration? You get Col Solare! However, Col Solare is only one of many collaborations. Eroica and Tenet Wines are two wine brands also partnering with Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Washington Wine
When you think about wine-making, you think about places like Italy, France, and California. It's not often that you think about the great state of Washington when you think about wine-making regions. One thing is sure, Washington wines are spectacular.
Chateau Ste. Michelle is the leading wine producer in the state of Washington. The wine brand has three estate vineyards: Cold Creek Vineyard, Horse Heaven Vineyard, and Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyard. As the founding winery, Cold Creek Vineyard has quite a history behind it. Planted in 1973, Cold Creek Vineyard is the oldest vineyard in Washington State.
Chateau Ste. Michelle values sustainability. Cold Creek Vineyard is Sustainable WA Certified—a passion point for the Chateau Ste. Michelle's brand is their mission to be sustainable.
The three vineyards have a similar climate. Each vineyard tends to have a warm temperature climate; however, the Columbia River offers a cooling effect.
Among all three vineyards, Chateau Ste. Michelle grows a total of eight different varietals: including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Wines
Over the years, Chateau Ste. Michelle has grown its wine collection tremendously. It doesn't matter whether you're a fan of red, white, or even rosé, Chateau Ste. Michelle has it all.
Many of these wines are 90+ Point Wines. If a wine achieves a 90+ ranking, this means the wine is outstanding. Publications like Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, and Wine Enthusiast publish the wine rankings.
Here are a few examples of Chateau Ste. Michelle wines that have 90+ Point rankings.
First, we have Chateau Ste. Michelle - Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling Washington 2021. Rated a 91 by Wine Enthusiast, this Riesling is a delicious option if you want something crisp, bright, and flavorful. The fruit flavors of white peach, melon, and grapefruit rind really balance out the acidity. It's a dynamic option that hits all your taste buds.
Next, we have Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Washington 2017. Rated a 91 by American wine critic Jeb Dunnuck, this Cabernet is complex and rich in flavor. Think dark cherries and elegant tannins, and you have yourself a Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet that you won't want to miss.
If you want to try an assortment of Chateau Ste. Michelle wine, while enjoying live music and food from the Pacific Northwest, visit a Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery for the ultimate experience. Tickets are available at Live Nation.
Food Pairings
A meal is only as good as your wine pairing. Sometimes it's hard to know which wine to pair your dinner with. Here's a little guide to help you figure out what to pair together.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is spectacular alongside red meats. So get your filet mignons out and pair them with Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Cabernet. Cabernet is also delicious with charcuterie boards. We all know charcuterie boards are all the rage lately. Pull out your board and add an assortment of meats, cheeses, and crackers.
riesling
If you're have seafood or fish for dinner, pair it with Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Washington Riesling 2021. The semi-dry, acidic nature of the Riesling plays well with Asian and Indian foods as well. Don't knock out spicy foods, either. Spicy dishes complement Rieslings very well.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is pretty versatile when it comes to food pairings. Whether you're having a creamy pasta dish or a lobster for dinner, you can pair it with Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Chardonnay. Chardonnay also pairs exceptionally well with sushi, chicken, and scallops.
More red Wine food pairings
Want to learn more about what pairs great with red wine? Check out Liquorama's blog on The Best Red Wine Food Pairings To Try In 2023 to learn all about what pairs well with red wine so you can have the ultimate dining experience.
Because what you're drinking matters just as much as what you're eating!
