Austral

2022 Columbia Valley Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Mourvèdre

Chateau Ste. Michelle Austral is a vibrant red blend from the esteemed Columbia Valley, showcasing the best of the 2022 vintage. This wine presents a medium-bodied profile with a delightful balance of freshness and depth. Its acidity is bright and lively, enhancing the overall elegance of the palate, while the fruit intensity bursts with prominent notes of dark cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of black pepper. The smooth tannins are well-integrated, providing a soft backbone that invites a multitude of food pairings, from grilled meats to hearty vegetarian dishes. The wine is crafted in a dry style, allowing the natural fruit characteristics to shine through, making it a truly enjoyable experience for wine enthusiasts.

Tasting notes:

Black Cherry

Blackberry

Baking Spice

Flavor profile:

Acidity Low

Low Pronounced

Body Medium Full

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Pairs well with:

Grilled Meats, Grilled Lamb, Barbecued Ribs

Region:

Columbia Valley

Sheltered by the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Columbia Valley is home to the majority of Washington's vineyards. Cool nights keep zippy acidity in the grapes, while long daylight hours give the fruit plenty of chance to ripen. This results in full-bodied Merlot, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and deeply concentrated Syrah. White wines are just as tantalizing, with toasty oak-touched Chardonnay and ripe stone fruit-flavored Riesling taking the spotlight. Sub-AVAs to look out for are Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. The Columbia Valley is one of the only appellations in the United States to occupy vineyards in two states, as it crosses the Oregon border in the southern part of the valley.

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