{"title":"Jekel","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"jekel-riesling","title":"Jekel Riesling","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJekel Riesling\u003c\/strong\u003e is a medium-dry California Riesling from Monterey's cool-climate coast, bottled at 12–13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2012 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and a Silver Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, while the 2015 vintage received 89 points from Wine Enthusiast — consistent recognition that underscores Jekel's strength with this varietal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 12–13%  |  Origin: Monterey, Central Coast, California  |  Medium-Dry Riesling  |  Winery: Jekel Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJekel Vineyards has long been synonymous with Monterey County winemaking, drawing from the Central Coast's coastal-influenced vineyards where Pacific fog moderates temperatures throughout the growing season. This cooling effect allows the Riesling grapes to achieve a carefully balanced sugar-to-acid ratio, producing wines that sit in the medium-dry category on the International Riesling Foundation's sweetness scale. Alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Riesling remains one of the estate's signature varietals — a reflection of how well the grape thrives in Monterey's maritime climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe white peach and apricot, followed by Mandarin orange and hints of jasmine blossom. Some vintages reveal an additional layer of yellow grapefruit pith and a subtle, classic touch of petrol characteristic of the varietal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, mango and apricot flavors lead, building into tangy citrus peel and crisp stonefruit at the mid-palate. Green apple and fennel-like herbal notes emerge as the wine opens, framed by a chalky, mineral-driven texture and bright acidity that keeps the fruit in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peach and lemon flavors linger well into a clean, moderately long finish. The acidity carries through to the end, leaving the palate refreshed rather than weighed down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Jekel Riesling\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe chilled to around 45–50°F to highlight the wine's aromatic complexity and crisp acidity; a standard white wine glass with a slightly tapered rim concentrates the floral and stone fruit notes. A Riesling Spritzer — combining the wine with a splash of sparkling water and a citrus twist — plays up its refreshing character for warm-weather drinking. A classic Hugo cocktail made with elderflower syrup, mint, and sparkling water complements the wine's jasmine and floral aromatics. For something bolder, use it as the base in a White Sangria with sliced stone fruits and a touch of brandy, which mirrors the wine's natural peach and apricot profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a wine drinker to quality domestic Riesling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSummer patio dinners featuring seafood or lighter fare\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with spicy Asian cuisine where off-dry balance tempers heat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Jekel Riesling taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Jekel Riesling leads with ripe peach, apricot, and Mandarin orange flavors, supported by bright acidity and a chalky mineral texture. It finishes clean with lingering citrus and stone fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Jekel Riesling compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are widely available domestic Rieslings, but Jekel sources from Monterey's cool coastal vineyards in California rather than Washington's Columbia Valley. The Monterey origin tends to produce a style with pronounced mineral texture and citrus-peel tanginess alongside the expected stone fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Jekel Riesling good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Its medium-dry sweetness level and approachable fruit-forward profile make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring Riesling. The balanced acidity prevents the wine from tasting overly sweet, which helps new Riesling drinkers appreciate the varietal's range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Jekel Riesling made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Jekel Riesling is produced by Jekel Vineyards in Monterey County on California's Central Coast. The vineyards benefit from Pacific Ocean fog that cools the growing region and promotes the slow, even ripening Riesling requires.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Jekel Riesling?\u003c\/strong\u003e Thai green curry — the wine's residual sweetness and acidity balance the dish's heat. Grilled shrimp — clean citrus notes complement shellfish without overpowering it. Pork schnitzel — a classic Riesling pairing where acidity cuts through richness. Soft goat cheese — tangy creaminess mirrors the wine's mineral-driven palate. Fresh fruit tarts — stone fruit flavors in the wine echo dessert apricot and peach fillings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Jekel Riesling come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Jekel Riesling is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Jekel Riesling worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Jekel Riesling positions as an accessible, everyday wine with competition credentials — a Gold Medal from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and 89 points from Wine Enthusiast suggest quality that punches above its entry-level price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Jekel Riesling?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonterey County remains one of California's most compelling regions for cool-climate white varietals, and Jekel's Riesling demonstrates why. Repeated recognition at major competitions — including Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — signals a wine produced with consistency across vintages. The medium-dry style, certified by the International Riesling Foundation's own scale, threads the needle between fruit sweetness and bracing coastal acidity, making it versatile at the table and approachable on its own. For drinkers who associate American Riesling primarily with the Pacific Northwest, this Monterey bottling represents a distinct and worthwhile alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jekel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837418369193,"sku":"4029","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Jekel-Riesling__47894.jpg?v=1730481476"},{"product_id":"jekel-chardonnay","title":"Jekel Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJekel Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Chardonnay from Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, bottled at approximately 13.8%–14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Jekel Vineyards—a property founded in 1972 by pioneering grape grower Bill Jekel—this wine draws its character from ancient alluvial soils and classic Burgundian winemaking methods that emphasize fruit expression balanced by controlled oak influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.8%–14.5%  |  Origin: Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California  |  100% Chardonnay  |  Producer: Jekel Vineyards (Est. 1972)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBill Jekel was among the first to recognize Arroyo Seco's potential for premium viticulture, planting vines on an ancient alluvial plain where depleted, cobblestone-studded soils stress the vines into producing concentrated fruit. The Chardonnay undergoes primary and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, followed by weekly lees stirring—a traditional Burgundian technique called bâtonnage—that builds texture and complexity without overwhelming the wine with new-oak flavors. The cool winds that funnel through the Arroyo Seco corridor from Monterey Bay help preserve bright acidity in the grapes, giving the finished wine its balance between richness and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe apricot and white peach, followed by hints of passion fruit and a thread of warm baking spice from the French oak aging. A subtle floral quality emerges as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate is full-bodied and generous, with flavors of baked apple, guava, and ripe pear arriving at the mid-palate. A pleasant creaminess from lees aging integrates with measured oak, while bright citrus acidity keeps the wine from feeling heavy. The overall impression is lush but structured, with good varietal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is moderate in length, tapering with a light tone of minerality that reflects the stony vineyard soils. Lingering notes of peach and a gentle smoky quality persist through the close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Jekel Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Chardonnay is enjoyable on its own, served lightly chilled around 50–55°F, which lets its creamy texture and stone-fruit aromatics fully emerge. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e (with a splash of sparkling water and a lemon twist) makes a refreshing warm-weather serve. Its full body and oak backbone work well in a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Negroni\u003c\/strong\u003e variation using wine as a modifier for added fruit depth. For a simple crowd-pleasing option, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with sliced peaches, apricots, and a touch of elderflower liqueur—the wine's stone-fruit character amplifies naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners featuring roasted chicken, pasta in cream sauce, or grilled seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing California Chardonnay to someone exploring wines beyond Napa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a casual wine tasting focused on Monterey County expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a reliable, food-friendly bottle to a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Jekel Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Jekel Chardonnay presents rich stone-fruit flavors—peach, apricot, and baked apple—layered with a pleasant creaminess from lees aging and a light minerality on the finish. It is full-bodied but avoids heavy-handed oak, making it fruit-forward with good balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Jekel Chardonnay compare to J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines are sourced from the Arroyo Seco appellation in Monterey and share a cool-climate profile with stone-fruit character and balanced acidity. Jekel tends to emphasize its alluvial-soil minerality and a slightly richer, more Burgundian-style texture from its lees-stirring regimen, while J. Lohr Riverstone is often described as a straightforward, approachable everyday Chardonnay at a similar value tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Jekel Chardonnay good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, its full body, creamy mouthfeel, and layered stone-fruit flavors make it a satisfying pour on its own when served lightly chilled. It is approachable enough for casual sipping yet complex enough to reward attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Jekel Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Jekel Chardonnay is produced by Jekel Vineyards, located in the Arroyo Seco appellation of southern Monterey County, California. The vineyards sit on an ancient alluvial plain where cool marine winds from Monterey Bay moderate temperatures throughout the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Jekel Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted or grilled chicken with herbs complements the wine's creamy oak tones. Seared scallops or lobster in butter sauce echo its rich texture. Mild, semi-soft cheeses like Gruyère match its weight without overpowering the fruit. Pork tenderloin with a stone-fruit glaze mirrors the peach and apricot notes. A simple risotto with mushrooms or sweet corn highlights its Burgundian-style creaminess.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Jekel Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Jekel Chardonnay is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Jekel Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Jekel Chardonnay positions as a solid everyday-to-mid-range California Chardonnay, delivering Burgundian winemaking techniques—French oak fermentation, malolactic conversion, and lees stirring—at a price point that undercuts many comparably made Monterey whites. For drinkers seeking complexity beyond basic supermarket Chardonnay without a premium-tier commitment, it represents strong value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Jekel Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this wine apart starts in the ground: the ancient cobblestone-studded soils of Arroyo Seco force vines to work harder, producing fruit with concentrated flavor and a distinctive mineral signature that most similarly priced Chardonnays lack. The commitment to authentic Burgundian technique—barrel fermentation with weekly bâtonnage—gives the wine a textural depth that elevates it beyond the typical California fruit bomb. Founded over fifty years ago, Jekel Vineyards was among the earliest producers to champion Monterey's cool-climate potential, and this Chardonnay remains a credible expression of what that appellation does best. It consistently delivers a full-bodied, creamy white wine with enough acidity and restraint to pair across a wide range of foods.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jekel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837522735273,"sku":"9868","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Jekel-Chardonnay__32764.jpg?v=1730485319"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/jekel.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}