2022 Eroica Riesling

Columbia Valley is a large and geographically diverse AVA capable of producing a wide variety of wine styles, and is home to 99% of Washington State’s total vineyard area. A small section of the AVA even extends into northern Oregon.

Because of its size, it is necessarily divided into several distinctive sub-AVAs, including Walla Walla Valley and Yakima Valley. On the whole it experiences extreme winters and long, hot, dry summers. The towering Cascade mountain range creates a rain shadow, keeping the valley relatively rain-free throughout the entire year. The lack of humidity combined with sandy soils allows for vines to be grown on their own rootstock, as phylloxera is not a serious concern.

Red wines make up the majority of production in the Columbia Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety here, where it produces wines with a pleasant balance of dark fruit and herbs. Wines made from Merlot are typically supple, with sweet red fruit and sometimes a hint of chocolate or mint. Syrah tends to be savory and Old-World-leaning, with a wide range of possible fruit flavors and plenty of spice. The most planted white varieties are Chardonnay and Riesling. These range in style from citrus and green apple dominant in cooler sites, to riper, fleshier wines with stone fruit flavors coming from the warmer vineyards.

Eroica was launched in 1999 as a labor of love for two Riesling producers. One from the Old World, Dr. Loosen estate of Germany, and the other from the New World, Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington State. An intermingling of Old and New World philosophies and techniques goes into the crafting of this Riesling from Washington State grapes. Named for Beethoven's Third Symphony, Eroica reflects not only its variety and site, but also its heritage: bold and forward from its Washington roots, elegant and refined from German inspiration.

This 100% Riesling wine is sourced from grapes grown in two vineyards, the Evergreen vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA on the western edge of the Columbia Valley and the Viewcrest vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Grapes were harvested at night, when the temperatures were coldest to protect the intensity of flavors, immediately pressed and then subjected to a cool fermentation for 3 weeks.

The resulting wine is described by its winemaker as: “Sourced from cool-climate vineyards, Eroica shows exuberant freshness with inviting stone fruit, citrus, and floral notes. Drink now to experience the youthful charm or age this wine for added complexity.”

The natural acidity in Riesling combined with its fruit flavors make this a very versatile wine to pair with food. This wine will pair well with seafood, poultry, spicy Thai, Indian and Mexican dishes, savory food as well as sweet dishes.