Col Solare is a distinctive winery located on Red Mountain in Washington State's Columbia Valley. It represents a unique collaboration between two powerhouses in the world of wine: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington's oldest winery, and Marchesi Antinori, an iconic Italian wine family with centuries of winemaking experience. This partnership was formed with the goal of creating a world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from the finest grapes of Washington.
**Establishment and Vision:**
Col Solare was founded in 1995, with the first vintage released in 1997. The collaboration combines Marchesi Antinori's extensive winemaking expertise and Chateau Ste. Michelle's deep knowledge of Washington vineyards to craft wines that showcase the potential of Red Mountain AVA, particularly focusing on producing a single, high-end Cabernet Sauvignon.
**Winery and Vineyards:**
The winery itself, built in 2007 on the slopes of Red Mountain, was designed to blend into the natural landscape. It offers state-of-the-art facilities that match the innovative spirit of the joint venture. The vineyards around Col Solare are meticulously managed with a focus on sustainable practices, aiming to produce grapes that reflect the terroir’s unique characteristics—low fertility soils and favorable microclimate conditions that contribute to the intensity and complexity of the wines produced.
**Winemaking and Style:**
Col Solare’s winemaking is led by Darel Allwine, who took over as head winemaker in 2011. Under his guidance, Col Solare focuses on creating a wine that is powerful yet elegant, showcasing the typical traits of Red Mountain fruit—dense berry flavors, robust tannins, and a balance that promises excellent aging potential. The flagship Col Solare bottling is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and sometimes Syrah to add complexity and depth.
**Reputation and Recognition:**
Col Solare has garnered considerable acclaim for its wines, which are often characterized by their structured tannins, dark fruit flavors, and an elegance that reflects both the bold character of Washington wines and the refined style of Tuscan expertise. This winery not only symbolizes a successful international collaboration but also stands as a beacon of high-quality, innovative winemaking in the Red Mountain AVA.
By blending Old World winemaking traditions with New World innovations, Col Solare represents a sophisticated fusion of styles, contributing significantly to the prestige and development of Washington State’s wine industry.
