Warramate Chardonnay 2020

Located in the Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, the Warramate vineyard belongs to the Yarra Yering estate and stretches across well-drained slopes overlooking the Yarra River. The Chardonnay plots benefit from a cool, continental climate, ideal for slow ripening that preserves natural acidity. The soils are predominantly composed of volcanic clay and gravelly silt, offering a good balance between vigor and concentration. This mosaic of terroirs gives the wine its precise, taut, and elegant character, typical of this Australian wine region.

The Chardonnay grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and then gently pressed before light settling. The must is then transferred to oak barrels for controlled fermentation, designed to preserve aromatic purity while adding body. Partial malolactic fermentation may be allowed depending on the desired balance. Aging continues on fine lees in barrels, with moderate stirring, to develop texture and complexity, before careful blending and bottling to preserve the estate's characteristic freshness.

This wine reveals notes of stone fruit , ripe citrus , and green apple , complemented by floral touches of white flowers and a spicy dimension of vanilla and sweet spices . Woody nuances of toasted oak and a subtle mineral structure add complexity and depth. On the palate, the wine is both ample and taut, supported by lively acidity, a well-integrated creamy texture, and a persistent finish, balanced between freshness, finesse, and a touch of salinity.

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.