Tohu Whenua Matua Single Vineyard Nelson Chardonnay 2021

Description

Hazelnut, Oak, Spice

Ripe juicy stonefruit and bright citrus peel characteristics meet in a richly textured Nelson Chardonnay. Hazelnut, flint and spicy French oak. Layers of citrus peel and juicy stonefruit flavours. Subtle hints of hazelnut, flint and spicy oak. Full bodied and richly textured with a creamy mouthfeel. A delightful long and lingering finish.

We are tangata whenua – people of the land. We are intrinsically connected to our whenua that we protect, nurture and love.

A wet spring and early summer resulted in difficult flowering conditions and naturally lower crop levels in the vines. Ample sunshine and moderate temperatures over the summer months provided the perfect ripening conditions. A successful harvest period with grapes picked at optimal ripeness with an outstanding flavour profile.

Carefully hand-harvested, the grapes were gently wholebunch pressed. The resulting juice was fermented in both new and old French oak barriques. The majority of barrels were fermented with specially chosen yeasts; while a small proportion were left to undergo ‘wild’ fermentation. Monthly batonage - or lees stirring - promoted yeast autolysis which added both body and complexity. Malolactic fermentation naturally occurred once the weather warmed in the spring. Only the best barrels made the final blend, before filtering and bottling without fining.