New Seven Falls Wines Launches to On-Premise Channels
Sourced from Washington state’s Wahluke Slope AVA, the portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE) today announced the launch of the new Seven Falls wines sourced from the Wahluke Slope appellation in Washington state, and crafted by renowned winemaker Doug Gore. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay are available nationally and exclusively to the on-premise channel.
Seven Falls wines are inspired by a series of seven waterfalls that once flowed along the Columbia River through what is now known as the Wahluke Slope appellation. The AVA, which was established in 2005, is one of the hottest and driest sites in Washington state. During the ripening season daytime temperatures can reach triple digits which cultivate intense flavors and ultra-ripe tannins in the grapes. At night temperatures drop as much as 30 degrees which allows the vine to retain natural acidity that perfectly frames the fruit characters.
At the end of the ripening season the vineyards cool off rapidly allowing the tannins to continue ripening while also becoming softer without sugar accumulation. The result is lower alcohols with the same richness.
“These growing conditions produce wines that pair beautifully with food,” said Doug Gore, Seven Falls Winemaker and Executive Vice President of Winemaking, Vineyards and Operations at SMWE. “The intense fruit flavors are accompanied by delicate notes and lower alcohols which allow the wine to harmoniously coat the palate and enhance, not mask, the flavors of food.”
Gore was head winemaker for Columbia Crest from 1982-2003 before assuming a leadership role at SMWE. The Seven Falls project marked an opportunity to make wines in an appellation that he had championed for years as one of the best sites in Washington state.
"Not only does making Seven Falls wines help me stay connected to winemaking and the creative side of the business, but it also gives me the opportunity to mentor team members who will be the future winemakers of Washington,” said Gore.
Seven Falls is embracing mobile technology by adding QR codes to the back labels on each wine. The codes will direct consumers to a mobile Web site, sevenfallswine.com, where they can learn more about the wine. In addition, Seven Falls has developed a mobile tool for waitstaff training. Waitstaff who participate in the training will receive a series of emails with mobile-device friendly, short videos about the wines. A version of the mobile Web site has also been developed for the trade: sevenfallswine.com/trade. In addition to the videos, the site content includes tasting notes, technical data, and food pairings, as well as the brand story.
About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is a collection of distinctive wine estates, each allowed to explore to the fullest extent the unique growing conditions and individual winemaking practices that give the wines from these estates their extraordinary character. Based in Washington state, the company also has vineyard and winery holdings in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and in Napa Valley, California. Ste. Michelle has pioneered the Washington wine industry since it was established in 1934, and today the company’s portfolio includes Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Snoqualmie, Northstar, Col Solare, and Spring Valley Vineyard in Washington; Erath in Oregon; and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Conn Creek, and Villa Mt. Eden in Napa. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is also the exclusive importer of Antinori wines in the United States, as well as Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte and Villa Maria Estate.
About Doug Gore
Doug Gore joined Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 1982, before becoming Vice President of Winemaking and Vineyards, Doug was Vice President of Winemaking for Columbia Crest. Under Doug’s direction, Columbia Crest became one of America’s most popular wineries. Leading wine critics have recognized Doug for creating wines with a food-friendly, approachable style that capture the true expression of each grape variety vintage to vintage.
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For further information:
Erin Shane
425/415.3696
erin.shane@smwe.com
