Tohu Whenua Matua 'Single Vineyard' Chardonnay

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

ABOUT THIS WINE:
Ripe juicy stonefruit and bright citrus peel characteristics meet in a richly textured Nelson Chardonnay. Hazelnut, flint and spicy French oak.

VINEYARD:
Upper Moutere, Nelson, New Zealand. Blocks: Matau (Fish Hook) & Waewae (Leg). Planted 2006-2014. 3.31ha. Ancient Moutere alluvium clay soils, featuring deeply weathered and dissected gravels

TASTING NOTE
• Layers of citrus peel and juicy stonefruit flavours
• Subtle hints of hazelnut, flint and spicy oak
• Richly textured with a creamy mouthfeel
• A delightful long and lingering finish

VITICULTURE
• The growing season began with unsettled weather during flowering resulting in lower yields
• Followed by a very warm and dry summer that provided ideal growing and ripening conditions
• A successful harvest period, with grapes being picked at optimal ripeness and flavour profile

WINEMAKING
• Carefully hand-harvested, the grapes were gently whole-bunch 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
• Weekly 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