…a generous character

Matawhero Wines has been owned and revitalized by Kirsten & Richard Searle since 2008. Having been replanted, along with the brand refreshed, introducing a new generation of wine enthusiasts to these varietal wines. The dry farmed grapes for this expressive Gisborne Chardonnay were sourced from select parcels from the Tietjen vineyards.
The grapes for this generous Gisborne Chardonnay are grown from two select parcels in the Hexton Hills or ‘Golden Slopes’ appellation of Gisborne. A narrow 10km strip made up of small parcels of elevated slopes. The site has had a rich history in producing award-winning Chardonnay for over 20 years and the wine is made from the Mendoza clone of Chardonnay.
A good portion of the grapes were hand harvested the rest by machine. With the machine harvested grapes, the juice was cool fermented in tanks till dry and then underwent full malolactic fermentation and spent 8 months on lees. The hand-picked fruit was gently pressed and fermented in a combination of American and European oak barrels where it matured for around 10 months. The tank portion also spends time on lees in oak barrels for 2 months, before the final tasting and blending.

✱ In your glass you will be greeted by lifted aromas entice you with ripe peaches, melon, praline, a hint of nougat and a note of vanilla. The palate has engaging breadth from the barrel fermentation, giving the wine a textural richness and generosity. This Gisborne Chardonnay has a basket full of ripe stone fruits flavours of peaches, nectarines, along with red delicious apples, a swirl of praline, all nicely wrapped in thoughtful oak giving structure and noticeable mouthfeel. A nicely balanced wine with a restrained dash of fruit acidity resulting in a charismatic wine, with integrity and a classic dry finish.

This 2021 Matawhero ‘Church House’ Barrel Fermented Chardonnay has 13.5% Alc./vol. A classic dry style. Chill gently and serve in a generously shaped wine glass at 9° - 10°C. *NZ$34.99

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 3/9/22)
Drinking this season; though it would appreciate 3-4 months in the bottle, and then will age nicely for another 5 - 6 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with slow-roasted chicken, turkey, pork-n-crackling with apple sauce, smoked fish pie with creamy mash, stuffed artichoke, plus ideal with an aged brie on crusty bread - enjoy.