Keltern Chardonnay 2021 6x75cl

With an outstanding track record of awards and accolades, the Keltern Vineyard has truly established itself as one of New Zealand's premier sites for Chardonnay. Displaying a brilliant straw and lime tinted hue in the glass, the nose offers a fragrant and complex medley of white nectarine and subtle complexing sulphides, complemented by underlying notes of flint and toast. A sleek, tightly woven palate gradually unfolds, leading to a finish with genuine length and class.

Vineyards

Located east of the Maraekakaho region in Hawkes Bay, directly in the path of cool air currents flowing from a mountain range to the west, the Keltern Vineyard is an inland site, buffered by the Ngaruroro River. Established on an ancient riverbed, the vineyard has silt loams layered over red metals, including large free-draining gravel stones.

Vintage

Warm spring conditions in Hawkes Bay resulted in an early flowering in Chardonnay which set the tone for the rest of the hot, dry summer as the regular viticulture milestones of the growing season all ticked by earlier than normal. Seasonal data indicated a growing season similar to 2020 at 1360 GDD’s and similar rainfall with the only difference the warmth of early spring in the 2021 season. Both vintages are cooler than 2018 and 2019 but still above the long-term average of 1303 GDD’S. The 2021 Chardonnay harvest was off to a record early start with Keltern vineyard picking starting in earnest on the 22nd of February, our earliest harvest date yet. Hand-harvesting of pristine fruit enabled a minimal intervention winemaking approach, allowing Keltern’s unique characteristics to shine.

Winemaking

Fermented with 100% wild, indigenous yeast and fermented in French Barriques of which 27% were new with the balance 1 and 2 years old. It was then matured for 10 months in barriques.

Enjoy with:

• Grilled and Roasted White Meats
• Fish/Shellfish
• Mild Creamy Cheeses
• Mature Strong Cheeses

Ideal with seared turbot or grilled veal chops with mushrooms.