2020 Louwala Columbia Valley Riesling

Those varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Syrah. And while Chardonnay plantings rank ahead of Riesling acreage, many critics believe that Riesling is Chardonnay’s equal when it comes to quality.

Riesling was one of the “founding grape varieties” in Washington, with plantings dating back to 1967 in the Yakima Valley. Today, Washington is considered a world-class Riesling growing region with 5,307 acres of grapevines planted, making it the largest Riesling-producing region in America.

The Columbia Valley’s mean temperature is only slightly higher than in Alsace or Germany — the global meccas of Riesling — and helps create full-flavored yet elegant wines like the 2020 Louwala bottling. The wine is floral, fresh, incredibly balanced and pairs extremely well with Northwest cuisine (see box). When you want to enjoy a delicious alternative to Chardonnay, this is the wine to open and share with friends.