Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling

Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling is an off-dry Columbia Valley Riesling at approximately 12% ABV in a 750ml bottle, born from a landmark collaboration between Washington State and Germany. Scored 93 points by Decanter and 92 points by Wine Enthusiast, Eroica's first five vintages (1999–2003) each earned a place on Wine Spectator's prestigious Top 100 list — a streak that cemented its reputation as one of the New World's defining Rieslings.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~12%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA  |  Varietal: 100% Riesling  |  Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Ernst Loosen

Production & Heritage

Eroica was launched in 1999 as a joint venture between Chateau Ste. Michelle — Washington State's oldest winery — and Dr. Ernst Loosen, one of Germany's most celebrated Riesling producers. The collaboration draws fruit from several distinguished vineyards across the Columbia Valley, including Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA, Viewcrest and Jacona in the Yakima Valley, and Gamache Vineyard in the broader Columbia Valley appellation. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic purity, with a portion of the wine aged on its lees to build texture and complexity. The result is a wine that balances Washington's ripe fruit intensity with the structured acidity and mineral discipline characteristic of German Riesling tradition.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright lime zest and green apple, then unfolds into tangerine, white peach, and delicate jasmine. A chalky, wet-stone minerality threads through the fruit, adding a compelling Old World dimension.

Taste: The entry is crisp and immediate, with tart lime and mandarin orange giving way to ripe nectarine and green apple at mid-palate. A sleek mineral backbone runs beneath the fruit, while perceptible residual sugar is held firmly in check by mouth-watering natural acidity. The overall impression is of a wine that feels round and lively simultaneously.

Finish: The finish is notably long and mouthwatering, trailing off with tart citrus and stone fruit that lingers well after each sip. A fine minerality persists alongside a clean, off-dry sweetness that invites another glass.

How to Drink Eroica Riesling

Eroica drinks beautifully on its own, slightly chilled to around 45–50°F, where its acidity and aromatics are most expressive. A wine spritzer built with Eroica and sparkling water makes an excellent warm-weather refresher, as the wine's natural sweetness and acid balance translate well with dilution. It also shines in a Riesling Sangria with sliced stone fruit and fresh mint, where its peach and citrus notes amplify the seasonal fruit. For a more elegant serve, try it in a Hugo Spritz variation — replacing Prosecco with Eroica adds a richer fruit core and better acidity to the elderflower and mint combination.

Best For

• Introducing a wine-curious friend to premium Riesling without intimidation
• Pairing alongside a multi-course Asian-inspired dinner
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Old World–New World crossovers
• Serving at a summer dinner party where both red and white drinkers need common ground

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Eroica Riesling taste like? Eroica Riesling delivers bright lime, tangerine, and white peach flavors layered over a mineral backbone, finishing off-dry with vibrant, mouth-watering acidity that keeps the residual sugar in balance.

How does Eroica Riesling compare to Poet's Leap Riesling? Both are highly rated Washington State Rieslings, but Eroica distinguishes itself through its German co-production partnership with Dr. Ernst Loosen, which lends a more pronounced mineral structure and Old World restraint compared to Poet's Leap's typically riper, more fruit-forward profile. Eroica also carries the distinction of five consecutive Wine Spectator Top 100 placements in its early vintages.

Is Eroica Riesling good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its balanced interplay of fruit sweetness and crisp acidity makes it an engaging sipper, especially when served chilled to around 45–50°F to highlight its aromatic complexity.

Where is Eroica Riesling made? Eroica Riesling is produced by Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington State's Columbia Valley, drawing fruit from vineyards in the Ancient Lakes AVA and Yakima Valley sub-regions. The wine is a collaborative project with German winemaker Dr. Ernst Loosen of Weingut Dr. Loosen in the Mosel.

What foods pair well with Eroica Riesling? Thai green curry, where its sweetness tempers the chili heat; seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, matching the wine's mineral and citrus character; roasted pork loin with apple chutney, a classic Riesling companion; soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert, whose creaminess contrasts the acidity; and spicy tuna rolls, where the off-dry profile cools the wasabi.

What sizes does Eroica Riesling come in? Eroica Riesling is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Eroica Riesling worth the price? Eroica positions as a mid-premium Riesling that punches well above its price tier, delivering multi-vineyard complexity and a pedigree of critical acclaim — including scores of 93 from Decanter and 92 from Wine Enthusiast — that rivals bottles costing significantly more.

Why Eroica Riesling?

What separates Eroica from the crowded field of New World Rieslings is the depth of its collaborative DNA. This is not a licensing deal or a celebrity label — it is a genuine winemaking partnership between two of Riesling's most respected figures, now running for over two decades. The multi-vineyard sourcing across distinct Columbia Valley sub-regions adds layers of complexity that single-site wines often lack, while stainless steel fermentation and lees aging preserve both freshness and weight. Few Rieslings at this price point can claim five consecutive Wine Spectator Top 100 placements and consistent scores above 90 from major publications, making Eroica a benchmark for what Washington State Riesling can achieve.