Chardonnay
A grape that expresses regional and stylistic diversity
Through captivating aromas and expressive flavours, our Chardonnay wines tell a unique story of time and place, and champion our on-going dedication to sharing the best of New Zealand. Grown in our vineyard sites in both the North and South Island, our Chardonnays are crafted in range of styles, showing a myriad of flavours, aromas and textures to suit all tastes.
Depending on the region, climate and winemaking techniques applied, our Chardonnay wines range from light-bodied with floral and citrus flavours to buttery full-bodied styles with ripe stone fruit notes. Each intriguing and delicious in their own way.
Food Matching
A young or unoaked Chardonnay pairs perfectly with dishes such as roasted vegetables, succulent seafood dishes like grilled salmon or a cheese platter. More mature Chardonnay wines match full flavoured savoury dishes such as chicken, veal and rabbit with creamy, garlic or lemon flavoured sauces. The regionality of New Zealand Chardonnay makes it easy to elevate any dish according to your tastes and preferences.
Best served at
10 °C / 50 °F
Regional characteristics
Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety that unapologetically reflects the region it is grown in. Warmer climates are known to produce rich stone fruit flavours, while cool-climate regions influence acidity through fresh citrus and balanced minerality. Being so incredibly diverse, Chardonnay also allows our winemakers to showcase their passion and expertise to deliver wines that express time and place.
Hawkes Bay
Home to New Zealand’s second largest wine region and planted on an ancient alluvial riverbed, Hawkes Bay has over time become synonymous with exceptional Chardonnay. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, our sites are very dry and warm which also enjoy cool winds from mountains to the west. The result is a delicious full-bodied Chardonnay, showcasing peach and stone fruit flavours that speak to the regions natural characteristics.
Auckland
Sitting within a sheltered 160,000-year-old volcanic crater right beside Auckland’s Manukau Harbour, the Chardonnay grapes that are grown here benefit from a diverse soil profile and cooling maritime breezes. This ensures optimal retention of fresh aromas and acidity during ripening season.
Marlborough
The climate is predominantly dry and sunny, influenced by coastal breezes and winds, the Chardonnay produced displays subtle more lemon/lime and white stonefruit flavors, with mineral notes imparted by the stony, alluvial soils vines are grown in.
Gisborne
Boasting beautifully poised north facing vines and naturally draining soils on elevated hillside slopes. The region is known for its warm climate and high annual rates of sunshine. Just one reason Gisborne has become popularly regarded as New Zealand’s Chardonnay Capital.
New Zealand’s Single Vineyard Chardonnay: nuanced expressiveness
Wines that embody the pinnacle of New Zealand Chardonnay winemaking. From the warm, elevated hillside slopes in Gisborne to ancient alluvial soils in Hawkes Bay, this article by Decanter explores what makes our Single Vineyard Chardonnay’s truly exceptional.
About our Chardonnay
Private Bin East Coast Chardonnay
Chardonnay of energy and aroma with a fruit-driven style. Grapes for our Private Bin Chardonnay are harvested throughout Gisborne and Hawkes Bay regions where the maritime climate is perfect for slowly ripening Chardonnay. The wine exhibits ripe peach and apricot flavours, with citrus blossom and fig character. A perfect pair to compliment meals such as creamy soups, or Thai green chicken curry with a salad of light leafy greens.
Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Chardonnay
Classically Hawkes Bay, this award-winning Chardonnay reveals a fragrant nose of grilled peach and nectarine stone fruit, with delicate cashew characters from French oak. A luxurious silken texture unfolds on the palate topped with wonderful acidity. The fruit is from several prestigious Chardonnay vineyards throughout Hawkes Bay. Once the fruit is harvested and pressed, the resulting juice is then fermented in oak barrels. Complex, perfectly balanced and brimming with personality, enjoy now or in 3 – 5 years.
Keltern Single Vineyard Chardonnay
With an outstanding track record of awards and accolades, Keltern Vineyard has over time become synonymous with exceptional Hawkes Bay Chardonnay. Planted on an ancient riverbed of alluvial soils and surrounded by dramatic landscapes, the inland site has a very dry and warm climate kept cool by fresh winds from mountains to the west. This wine offers a very fragrant nose of white nectarine, citrus blossom, toast and hazelnut. Influences from oak barrel fermentation and maturation makes for a luxurious body with style and length.
