Chardonnay 2021

Located in the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne, this Chardonnay vineyard benefits from a cool climate ideal for the slow ripening of the grapes. The plots are planted on ancient soils composed of clay, silt, and pebbles, providing natural drainage and excellent water regulation. The north- and east-facing slopes capture moderate sunlight, preserving aromatic freshness. The Yarra Valley is one of the pioneering regions of cool-climate Australian viticulture and is now among the most renowned areas for its great white wines.

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, including a proportion of new oak, and includes partial malolactic fermentation depending on the vintage. The wine is then aged on its fine lees in French oak barrels for several months, with occasional stirring to enhance texture and complexity, before final blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of stone fruit , ripe citrus , and white-fleshed fruit , complemented by delicate floral touches, subtle spicy nuances, and a light oakiness with hints of toasted hazelnut and understated oak . The palate is precise, driven by a lively acidity that extends the finish, a chalky texture, and a balanced structure, with a saline and persistent finish that underscores the wine's fresh and structured character.

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.