Chardonnay 2021

Located in the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, the Yarra Yering vineyard benefits from a cool, continental climate, ideal for Burgundy-style grape varieties. The Chardonnay plots are planted on well-drained slopes with clay-loam soils mixed with gravel and volcanic clay, offering a balance between power and finesse. The moderate altitude and cool nights preserve the natural acidity of the grapes, while the sunny days ensure slow ripening, allowing for the expression of great aromatic precision and beautiful tension.

The Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested and then pressed as whole bunches before light settling and direct transfer to French oak barrels. Fermentation takes place in barrels, with a proportion of new oak, and partial malolactic fermentation is allowed to preserve freshness. The wine is then aged on its fine lees in French oak barrels for several months, with occasional stirring, before blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , green apple , and stone fruit , enhanced by delicate floral touches and a subtle mineral dimension. Toasty nuances, hints of roasted hazelnut , and a fine , spicy oakiness add complexity and depth. The palate displays precise structure, driven by lively acidity , a chalky texture, and a long, taut, saline finish that leaves an impression of great freshness and balance.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.