Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023
Country
New Zealand
Region
Marlborough
Producer
Cloudy Bay Wines
Grape(s)
Chardonnay (100%)
Type
White
Style
Rich
Oaked Style
Oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
13.5%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
Marlborough is by far New Zealand’s largest grape growing region with more than two-thirds of all plantings. First planted in 1873 it is known in the region by the Maori name, Kei puta te Wairau meaning ‘the place with the hole in the cloud’ due to its very high 2,410 sunshine hours a year. High sunshine and a dry growing season help to create the famous intense flavours. Generally, plantings are in two main valleys of Wairau and Awatere. Much of the land is alluvial river basin with well-drained soils that provide an ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and clay slopes better suited Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Producer
Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985 by Cape Mentelle Vineyards in Western Australia, and is today part of Estates & Wines, The Moët Hennessy Wine Division. The winery and vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough at the northern end of New Zealand`s South Island. The winery is named after the bay at the eastern extreme of the Wairau Valley, named so by Captain Cook on his voyage to New Zealand in 1770. Cloudy Bay has 250 hectares over four estate vineyards, and long-term supply agreements with nine Wairau Valley growers. The main varieties grown are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with lesser quantities of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of ripe white peach, nectarine and citrus are complemented by delicate notes of toasted almond and vanilla. The palate is beautifully balanced, combining generous stone-fruit flavours with fresh acidity and a subtle creamy texture. Fine oak adds complexity without overpowering the vibrant fruit, while a gently mineral finish brings length and freshness.
Food
This wine pairs well with grilled white fish, roasted poultry and creamy pasta dishes.
