Lunch at Monteillet Fromagerie - 9/17
Please take this opportunity to slow down, unwind and relax.
There is no rush today. The farm is yours to walk and explore. Just ask your hosts (Pierre-Louis and Joan Monteillet of Monteillet Fromagerie OR Jenna Bicknell of Curated Walla Walla) and we’d be happy to show you around or teach you the French game of pétanque.
Cheese Tasting
Soft chèvre
Cardabelle (soft Brie-style)
Larzac (ash layer)
La Roi Noir (heart-shaped with ash on the outside)
Fleur du Midi (paprika on the outside)
Herbed Chèvre
Wines Featured
2019, 2020 Brook & Bull Cellars, Connor Lee Vineyard Chardonnay
Owned and operated by one of the U.S. top 40 under 40 winemakers, Ashley Trout produces big and bold red wines. She is known for Malbec, as she spent several harvests making wine in Argentina. She also makes phenomenal Rose and Chardonnay from one of the best vineyard sites in Washington State. Ashley also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
2018, The Unnamed Series, Rocks District Grenache Blanc and Viognier
Top producer, Reynvaan Family Vineyards, has a second label that just opened a downtown tasting room. Earthy and funky at an affordable price—everything is $25. This is one of my absolute favorites. Rhone whites, reds, and interesting co-fermentations of 100% estate, Walla Walla Valley fruit.
2016, Otis Kenyon, Walla Walla Valley, Merlot
This under the radar winery is producing exceptional benchmark Walla Walla wines. Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah are all expertly handled by winemaker Dave Stephenson. Sourced from Seven Hills and Summit View vineyards, the Merlot exemplifies the soft and elegant varietal with beautiful expression of the classic Walla Walla Loess soils.
2018 Pasxa, River Rock Vineyard, Grenache
Chateauneuf-du-Pape was the region that inspired the development of one of the most unique terroirs of Washington. The galets roule is the signature characteristic of the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA. Located entirely in Oregon, this AVA is the site of an ancient riverbed, with 25 sq. miles of deposited basalt cobbles. A project of owner Mike Martin and winemaker Todd Alexander, this label is the next cult winery of Walla Walla.
2019, Itä Winery, Les Collines Vineyard, Semillon
Itä is just one of just a handful of women-owned wineries in Walla Walla. Kelsey is focused on classic Walla Walla varietals grown in the cooler foothills of the Valley. One site is the Les Collines Vineyard (around Garrison Creek Cellars), as well as a Pinot Noir site just south of the Oregon border.