Mt. Beautiful Estate Chardonnay

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Location: North Canterbury

Alcohol: 12.5%

Tasting Note: An enticingly complex bouquet with a fruit core of citrus, stone-fruit and nectarine complemented by notes of nuts, nougat and biscuit from the oak. The palate has a fine satin-cream touch leading to flavours of peach, nut, red apple and grapefruit, with a lengthy finish.

Vinification: Grapes are whole-bunch pressed direct to barrel for 100% wild fermentation. Barrels are 15% new French oak, with the balance a mix of 1-year, 2-year and older oak. Lees are stirred for the first 2 months, then the wine is left to rest over the winter. In spring, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, with a small portion kept aside to provide freshness and acidity. The wine is racked out of barrel in February, then blended and stored in-tank until bottling in May.

Vegetarian: Yes

Vegan: No

Food Match: A great pairing with meaty fish such as pan-fried snapper or baked salmon. Also great with full-flavoured chicken dishes such as Chicken Marbella.