Chardonnay 2021

Located in the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, the Yarra Yering winery benefits from a cool climate influenced by the surrounding hills. The Chardonnay vines are planted in ancient soils, a blend of gravel, silt, and clay, which promote slow ripening and beautiful natural tension. This pioneering region of Australian viticulture is renowned for its elegant and structured wines, where freshness takes precedence over power, and where the varied topography allows for a wide diversity of styles.

The Chardonnay grapes are harvested by hand, then pressed as whole bunches before light settling. The must is then transferred to French oak barrels for fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation is partial to preserve the wine's natural freshness. Aging continues in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, for several months on fine lees with periodic stirring, before blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of green apple , white peach , and lemon , complemented by floral touches of orange blossom and linden . Subtle woody nuances of toasted hazelnut , vanilla , and a hint of smoke add complexity, while a mineral base underscores the freshness. On the palate, the texture is both ample and precise, driven by lively acidity and beautiful tension, with a long, mouthwatering, and delicately chalky finish.

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.