Astrolabe Marlborough Chardonnay 2024

A fruity Chardonnay characteristic of the New World, defined by its tropical fruit aromas. It is barrel-fermented and barrel-aged, and as it is unfined, you can also detect subtle hints of nuttiness derived from the oak.

It pairs wonderfully with dishes that have a subtle buttery note, such as cream-based pasta, seafood doria, or salmon and potatoes roasted in butter.

Fruity Chardonnay

While Chardonnay is often overshadowed by Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand, there are many incredibly high-quality examples, and this Chardonnay crafted by Astrolabe is one of them.

You can detect tropical fruit notes, characteristic of a New World fruit-forward style, along with subtle hints of nuttiness from the barrel fermentation and aging.

The subtle nuance of the oak, perfectly balanced with the robust fruit, creates a very well-finished wine.

One of the fruit aromas you might detect is "melon," and when describing Chardonnay, this term is actually used as a compliment.

One of the synonyms for Chardonnay is,

• Melon d’Arbois (Melon of Arbois) *

Because this wine captures that melon-like, gourd-like aroma, it could truly be called a "Chardonnay-esque Chardonnay."

Additionally, all the grapes are hand-harvested, and only free-run juice is used. The winemaking follows a traditional Burgundian style: barrel fermentation and aging using wild yeast, with no fining.

* Arbois is a place name in the Burgundy region.

Recommended Pairings

This wine pairs well with dishes that use cream sauce or have a subtle buttery aroma.

We recommend cream-based pasta, seafood doria, or salmon and potatoes roasted in butter.

Cream-based Pasta

Seafood Doria

About the Winery: "Astrolabe"

Astrolabe is a Marlborough winery established in 1996 by winemaker and owner Simon Waghorn, along with his wife and friends.

The name "Astrolabe" comes from the French ship that arrived on the coast of Marlborough in the early 19th century and refers to the astronomical navigation instrument.

When the winery was first founded, they sold wine in small quantities without labels, but as its high quality became widely known, they began releasing wines under the "Astrolabe" label in 2001. Following this, they began exporting to the UK, and their popularity has continued to grow year by year.

A unique feature of Astrolabe, which is rare among NZ wines imported into Japan, is their use of grapes from a small region called "Kekerengu." Their Sauvignon Blanc, which bears this name, is considered the wine that defines this winery.

Furthermore, 80% of the wine they produce is Sauvignon Blanc, and renowned NZ wine critic Bob Campbell MW has highly acclaimed Astrolabe, stating, "Astrolabe is without doubt one of the leading producers of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc."

About the Region: Marlborough

"Marlborough" is the heart of New Zealand's wine country.

With abundant sunshine and a large temperature difference between day and night, it offers ideal natural conditions for grape cultivation, and more than 80% of all New Zealand wine is produced in Marlborough.

Among them, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its sharp acidity and overflowing fruit flavors, boasts overwhelming production volume and is widely loved around the world for its unique character. As for red wine, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit flavors, is a popular choice.

Astrolabe Marlborough Chardonnay 2024

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