Chardonnay 2022

Located in the Wairau Valley, in the heart of Marlborough, the Seresin Estate vineyard spans hillsides and alluvial terraces near the northern coast of the South Island. The Chardonnay parcels are mainly planted around the Raupo Creek vineyard and nearby sites, benefiting from a cool and sunny climate, marked by significant diurnal temperature variations. The soils combine gravel, silt, and clay, offering natural drainage while retaining essential moisture. This mosaic of terroirs allows for a Chardonnay style that is at once ripe, precise, and driven by maritime freshness.

The grapes are harvested by hand, then whole-bunch pressed before a light settling. The must is then transferred into French oak barrels, mostly old, where spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts takes place, including partial malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged on fine lees in barrels for several months, with occasional bâtonnage to add texture and complexity, before final blending and bottling without excessive filtration to preserve the character of the terroir.

This wine reveals notes of stone fruit, ripe citrus, and fresh apple, complemented by subtle touches of white flowers, sweet spices, and toasted wood, supported by a fine mineral backbone. The palate offers a full and creamy texture, balanced by a lively acidity that extends the finish, with a sensation of controlled volume and a flavorful persistence, leaving an impression of precision and harmony.

Introduced in 1819, viticulture was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled there in January 1838 to develop New Zealand's vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region during the 19th and early 20th centuries. After production setbacks initially caused by phylloxera and then the First World War, the vineyards began to expand again during the Second World War, doubling in size. Today, New Zealand has 10 major wine regions spread across the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The country's long, narrow shape means that vineyards are never more than 120 km from the coast, and most are even much closer (with the exception of the semi-continental region of Central Otago). A mountain spine running through the center of the country protects most of the major wine regions from the strong westerly winds from the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties." Because of these winds, there are few wine regions on New Zealand's west coast. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines are well established. Indeed, the country produces some of the best and most renowned Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it's no coincidence that New Zealand has managed to make Sauvignon Blanc its symbol, alongside its sheep, kiwifruit, and the legendary haka!