Hawke's Bay Chardonnay

Hawke's Bay, located on New Zealand's North Island, is the country's oldest and second-largest wine region, covering 5,000 hectares. The largest, Marlborough, is on the South Island.

Being "down under," New Zealand's northern island enjoys a warmer climate. Hawke's Bay benefits from abundant sunshine, allowing Syrah and other dark grape varieties to ripen fully. The region's varietal reds, especially Bordeaux blends, are recognized as world-class.

While Chardonnay is actually the most widely planted variety in Hawke's Bay, it isn't as well-known as the region's reds. Thanks to cooling sea breezes, Hawke's Bay Chardonnay qualifies as a cool-climate wine, which helps preserve the grapes' acidity — a key trait.

Hawke's Bay Chardonnay is distinguished by its bright acidity and steely minerality, balanced with creamy richness and ripe fruit flavors. The oak influence is modern in style — subtle, well-integrated, and complementary.

The aroma and palate often reveal floral notes, stone fruits, apple, grapefruit, citrus, minerality, and a hint of butterscotch from the oak. The result is a fruity, well-defined, and perfectly oaked wine.

Popular among wine enthusiasts, it showcases the region's unique terroir. Ideal pairings include creamy pasta, pork tenderloin with cream sauce, roast chicken, roast pork with apple glaze, salmon in various forms, and seafood dishes, enhancing their richness and complexity.