Chardonnay grapes at Elephant Hill, Hawke’s Bay
Think of New Zealand white wine and Sauvignon Blanc most likely comes to mind.
But now might be the perfect time to reconsider, for New Zealand Chardonnay has never been better, steadily gaining recognition for its balance of fruit purity, bright acidity and silky complexity.
Chardonnay accounts for just 9% of vineyard area and less than 2% of exports – compared to Sauvignon Blanc’s dominating 80% and 85% – according to the New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Report 2024.
But with near-perfect growing conditions and increasingly refined winemaking, Chardonnay remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets, offering quality – and value – that are worth seeking out.
Maté’s Vineyard at Kumeu River was planted with Chardonnay in 1990
Scroll down for notes and scores of 12 of New Zealand’s best…
Source : https://www.decanter.com/premium/why-now-is-the-time-to-embrace-new-zealand-chardonnay-552442/
