Chardonnay
75cl * Vegan, Organic & Biodynamic * 14% ABV * Marlborough, New Zealand
Huia Vineyards was established by Claire and Mike Allan when they planted the first vines in the Wairau Valley in 1994. After winemaking experience at key Marlborough wineries (most notably Kevin Judd's Cloudy Bay) and extended stages at Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger in Champagne, they made it their mission to create wines of utmost quality in the most environmentally sustainable possible. Certified organic and farming biodynamically, Huia makes some of New Zealand's most elegant, handcrafted wines from a range of wines.
Huia Chardonnay is grown on the Kennedy Road Vineyard in the South Valleys region of Marlborough, where there is a mixture of clay and river-stones alluvial soil types. The vines are naturally low-yielding, giving a ripeness, balance and good fruit intensity. A sunny and warm growing season ripened the grapes and these were hand-picked before a long, wild fermentation. Along with a malolactic fermentation in French oak, this has led to a sophisticated, elegant and finely structured Chardonnay. Eighteen months in French oak of varied age (2-5 years old) and volume has integrated the tannins and flavours.
On the nose subtle white peach and citrus combine with lifted vanilla pod. The palate has mixed brioche, peach and citrus fruit with a silky, creamy texture. There are layers of pure, ripe fruit and well integrated vanilla cream notes. The finish is soft and silky. This wine is delicious with chargrilled salmon, lobster or crayfish, roasted or baked chicken, pasta in cream sauces, mature brie and other soft cheeses.