Chateau Montelena Riesling 2017 750ml

Chateau Montelena's Riesling 2017 comes from Potter Valley in Mendocino County, a cooler pocket the Napa winery has long relied on for white grapes that need a longer, gentler ripening season. The wine is made in an off-dry style, balancing natural sweetness against bright acidity rather than fermenting fully dry. Expect a nose of peach, apricot, and orange blossom, with citrus, stone fruit, and a touch of honey carrying through the palate before a clean, mineral-tinged finish. It's a Riesling built for people who want fruit and aromatics without heaviness, and it holds its own next to food that would clash with a dry white.

How to drink Chateau Montelena Riesling

Chill it well, around 45-50°F, in a white wine glass. The touch of sweetness makes it a natural partner for Thai or Vietnamese takeout, spicy Sichuan dishes, or a plate of soft cheese — anything with heat or salt that a bone-dry white would fight instead of complement.

RieslingPotter Valley, Mendocino County, California