Estate Chardonnay 2021

Located on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, the Ten Minutes by Tractor estate cultivates several cool, breezy parcels near the Southern Ocean. The Estate Chardonnay vines are planted on hills at varying altitudes, with soils that blend clay, silt, and volcanic sand, offering a beautiful diversity of terroirs. This temperate maritime climate, characterized by coastal breezes and cool nights, promotes a slow ripening of the grapes, preserving the natural acidity, aromatic finesse, and balance of the wine.

The Chardonnay grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, then gently pressed before fermentation primarily in oak barrels, with a limited proportion of new oak to preserve the purity of the fruit. Malolactic fermentation is partial to maintain tension and freshness. The wine is then aged on its fine lees in barrels for several months, with measured stirring to add texture and complexity, before blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of green apple , white peach , and ripe lemon , enhanced by delicate floral touches and a subtle mineral dimension. Toasty nuances of roasted hazelnut and vanilla from barrel aging add complexity and depth. The palate is precise and taut, with a creamy texture, lively acidity that lengthens the structure, and a saline , lingering finish that begs to be paired with food.

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.