Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2022

Located in the historic Hunter Valley wine region, north of Sydney, Tyrrell's vineyards benefit from a warm, temperate climate, tempered by coastal breezes from the Pacific. The Chardonnay vines are planted in predominantly clay-loam and sandy soils, sometimes mixed with schist, which ensure good drainage and promote even ripening of the grapes. This ancient terroir, among the most renowned in Australia, yields balanced wines characterized by a beautiful natural freshness and a precise expression of the varietal.

The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and then gently pressed before light settling. The must is then transferred to French oak barrels, where fermentation takes place with a proportion of indigenous yeasts. A portion of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to add roundness and complexity. Aging continues on fine lees in barrels, with periodic stirring, before blending and bottling, which aims to preserve the freshness and typical character of Hunter Valley Chardonnay.

This wine reveals notes of stone fruit , ripe citrus , and tropical fruit , complemented by delicate floral touches, a subtle hint of vanilla oak, and a delicate minerality . The palate offers a creamy texture supported by a vibrant acidity that extends the tasting experience, with a precise balance between fruit and oak. The finish is long and slightly saline , leaving an impression of freshness and purity.

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.