New Zealand Chardonnay

Refined and fruit-driven, New Zealand Chardonnay is mouth-filling, with concentrated citrus and bright tropical fruit.

The versatility of the Chardonnay grape makes it a perfect canvas for our viticulturists and winemakers to craft masterpieces.

A wide-range of Chardonnay styles are produced in New Zealand, from fruit-driven and unoaked, to luscious examples with complexity, elegance, and a touch of oak.

New Zealand Chardonnay strongly reflects our unique terroir, and the huge diversity within the different regions.

During the 1990s, plantings of this internationally fashionable variety exceeded those of every other grape, today top-quality Chardonnay can be found in every New Zealand wine region.

Known as ‘the winemaker’s grape’ due to its relatively neutral fruit profile and adaptable nature, Chardonnay lends itself to nearly all winemaking tricks of the trade.

Its noble character still shines through in its ability to reflect terroir, as well as age gracefully.

Balanced, fruit-laden and concentrated, New Zealand Chardonnay is eternally elegant with a balance of minerality and fruit.

Typical regional styles

Warmer climates typically yield full-medium bodied, round, rich flavours and soft-medium acidity.

Cool-climate regions typically produce medium to light bodied with greater acidity and minerality and fresh, citrus and savoury flavours. 

Marlborough

Typically produces zesty Chardonnay with good acidity and strong nectarine, grapefruit and other citrus fruit flavours, which work well with or without oak.

Hawke's Bay

Tend to produce very concentrated medium to full bodied wines with peach, melon and citrus/grapefruit flavours. Generally these wines drink well in the short to medium term, whilst the best examples improve greatly with further ageing.

Gisborne

Freshly scented, rounded Chardonnays with ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavours • Generally made for early consumption but can also provide concentrated, complex Chardonnays with a proven ability to mature well for several years. 

Food matching

A young or unoaked Chardonnay is fabulous with seafood.

Mature New Zealand Chardonnays are richer and more complex with stronger toast and nut flavour.

Our Chardonnay complements full flavoured savoury dishes such as chicken, veal and rabbit with creamy, garlic or lemon flavoured sauces.

The creamy, fruit-driven flavours of mature New Zealand Chardonnay are sublime alongside a dessert of apple and pear crumble.