Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena is an esteemed American wine brand located in Calistoga, Napa Valley, California. Founded in 1882 by Alfred L. Tubbs, Chateau Montelena gained international recognition for its role in the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris wine competition.
Chateau Montelena is primarily known for its exceptional Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The winery's Chardonnay is highly regarded for its elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. It often exhibits flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and a balanced acidity. The Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Chateau Montelena showcases the power, structure, and ripe fruit flavors that are characteristic of Napa Valley's top-quality wines.
The winemaking philosophy at Chateau Montelena centers around minimal intervention and allowing the fruit to express itself. Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented using traditional techniques. The wines are aged in French oak barrels to enhance complexity while preserving the fruit's integrity. Chateau Montelena gained international acclaim when its 1973 Chardonnay won the white wine category in the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting. This event, where California wines surpassed French wines in a blind tasting, helped solidify Napa Valley's reputation as a world-class wine region.
Beyond their flagship Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Montelena also produces other varietals such as Zinfandel and Riesling. These wines reflect the winery's commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality and character across a range of grape varieties.
Founded: 1976
Headquarters: 429 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, California, 94515, United States
Instagram: https://instagram.com/chmontelena
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chmontelena
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chmontelena
Website: https://montelena.com/