The award-winning Chateau Montelena Winery features a delicious selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfindel, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Petite Sirah. This winery brought a unique style to Northern California in 1888, being constructed out of stone and built into a hillside, Chateau Montelena was one of a kind. The stone work and placement were used to provide natural insulation against outside heat and cold, necessary for producing quality wines.
The French had been dominating the wine world until Chateau Montelena put California at the top of the wine radar in 1976. At a formal wine tasting, better known as the Judgement at Paris, four white Burgundies were up against six California Chardonnays. As they swirled, sniffed, sipped, and spat, some judges could instantly separate French wines from California selections. At the end of it all, the ’73 Chardonnay Chateau Montelena came out on top, helping to bring recognition and accreditation to California wines.
Chateau Montelena Winery features wines that offer complex flavors derived from the diversity of the soils and slopes on the property. The diverse soil profile results in aromatic, rich and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, characterized by the unique earthy-berry flavor. The decade old Zinfandel vines are planted in volcanic soil, formed by ancient lava flows caused by tectonic uplifting, combined with 10-year-old vines in alluvial soil, produce a spice, ripe berry flavored wine.
Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner from Ruth’s Chris
Ruth’s Chris invites you to enjoy our exclusive Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner on June 15, 2017. We are hosting an exclusive evening of food and wine, with a five-course meal deliciously paired with selections from the Chateau Montelena collection. The pairings on our menu include:
First Course:
Chateau Montelena Potter Valley Riesling with sesame grilled chicken and udon noodle salad. Riesling is a classic, versatile grape that can produce dry to very sweet wines. This selection offers juicy layers of fruit flavors with a rich finish.
Second Course:
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay with pan seared sea scallop bacon citrus beurre blanc. This wonderful full-bodied selection is accented with fresh fruity flavors and finishes with a creaminess, perfect pairing for a light, seared scallop.
Third Course:
Chateau Montelena Calistoga Zinfandel with Portuguese white bean stew with chorizo. This unique Zinfandel offers beautiful notes of lavender, cassis, and fresh mint, while maintaining an earthiness and minerality flavor that finishes with an old-world style.
Fourth Course:
2006 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon with Ruth’s Petite Filet Mignon and cipollini ragout. The rich minerality of this Cabernet Sauvignon is balanced by ripe raspberry, and earth flavors that are tied together with silky tannins and finished with hints of cranberry, mint, and cocoa.
Fifth Course:
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Petite Sirah with chocolate dacquoise torte. The perfect pairing for our decadent chocolate dessert, with full-bodied fruit flavors balanced with hints of chocolate and black pepper.
Join Ruth’s Chris for an Exclusive Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner
If you can’t make it on the 15th, select Ruth’s Chris locations offer Chateau Montelena wines year-round on their menu. To see if your nearest Ruth’s Chris offers the delicious wine be sure to check out our complete wine lists online. To learn more about our locations, menu items, and seasonal promotions or to make a reservation you can visit our website or give us a call.