You always hear that Riesling is a common “go-to” for sommeliers because of its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of food. Chateau Ste Michelle’s Columbia Valley Riesling is a dry white wine that lives up to that expectation and it does so at a wallet-friendly $8.99.  And just in the event you happen to win the lottery but just can’t completely break free of your thriftiness, you can join the Chateau Ste Michelle Bottle Club and get boxes of this wine at $7.20/bottle!

If your only introduction to Chateau Ste Michelle is what you have seen at the grocery store, it really isn’t a fair impression. CSM was hugely instrumental in striking wine ground in eastern Washington State and in providing an anchor for the wine culture in Woodinville, WA (kind of a wino’s version of heaven!). If you get a chance to visit their winery in Woodinville (a great add-on to a Seattle trip), I encourage you to do so. They make a whole host of wines that don’t show up in your local grocery store that are absolutely fantastic. They also host outdoor concerts and other events, so check their website before swinging by for the tour and tasting.

As far as drinking this wine with food—it really is a versatile wine. We’ve had it with grilled lemon chicken and it is also a staple at our favorite local BYOB Thai joint. It’s even good with chocolate chip cookie dough!

 

Riesling (100%)

Producer: Chateau Ste Michelle (www.ste-michelle.com)

Appellation: Columbia Valley (Washington State)

Appearance: Hint of honey

Aroma: Moderately aromatic with touches of lily and honey-suckle

Taste: Hint of lime and stone tropical fruits—apricot and peach; medium dry; nice acidity to complement an array of foods