The Eroica XLC Dry Riesling 2020, crafted by the Eroica winery, is the result of a collaboration between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Riesling maestro Ernst Loosen. This harmonious partnership between Old and New World winemaking impresses with its intensity and elegance—so much so that this vintage earned 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck of Wine Advocate and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, securing its place among the most exciting expressions of the varietal we've tasted!
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when two of the world’s top Riesling producers join forces, the answer is Eroica. The winery was founded in 1999, when Ernst Loosen—of the renowned Dr. Loosen estate in Germany’s Mosel region—was traveling the world to promote his beloved varietal. That journey led him to a standout Riesling from Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington, a winery with a tradition of exemplary Riesling cultivation dating back to 1912. Together, they set out to create the perfect version of the grape, blending German heritage with the vibrancy of American vineyards.
Each year, Ernst Loosen and Katie Nelson, head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle, adapt to the vintage conditions and carefully select the most suitable vineyard in Columbia Valley for the different styles they produce. Their meticulous attention to detail highlights both the adaptability of Riesling to diverse terroirs and its precision in expressing those characteristics.
For the Eroica XLC Dry Riesling 2020, the grapes were harvested at night, with cooler temperatures helping preserve their freshness and aromatic complexity. They were immediately pressed, and fermentation took place in large oak casks using native yeasts. The wine underwent the Extended Lees Contact (XLC) method, where it aged on its lees for an extended period to enhance aroma and complexity. In this case, the wine spent 22 full months on its lees, resulting in a wine with remarkable texture, depth, and aromatic richness.
The name Eroica was inspired by Beethoven’s Third Symphony and reflects the German influence behind the entire project. The Eroica XLC Dry Riesling 2020 is truly a “meeting of titans”—a wine you absolutely must try!
