Brackenbrook Nelson Chardonnay 2022

Very dry Chardonnay

The charm of aroma and taste

As you bring the glass closer, you can smell the refreshing aroma of lemon peel and a hint of ripe pineapple, with a soft aroma reminiscent of toasted almonds and roasted chestnuts in the background.

The palate is very clean . The fruit is understated, the acidity is gentle, but the core minerality provides a solid foundation. The blessings of Nelson's typical sunshine are in the background, but they are never flashy. In fact, it is this "modesty" that accentuates the beauty of this Chardonnay.

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Overall balance

Very dry , with a slightly subdued fruitiness overall. Nelson's characteristically abundant sunshine provides a restrained yet well-rounded fruit flavor. The use of oak barrels is subtle , providing a good balance with the understated fruitiness.

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Our commitment is reflected in the flavor

The dignified presence of this wine comes from the winemaker's philosophy. The grapes are carefully crushed without being destemmed and fermented at low temperatures. Skillful use of French and American oak creates a gentle profile without overpowering the aroma.

Another notable feature is the way the winery is designed, using gravity to move the wine without the use of electric pumps. This allows the wine to flow naturally, putting as little strain as possible on the wine.

Furthermore, the wine is not clarified and is only filtered once before bottling, which means that the wine is "made with as little effort as possible," further supporting its natural flavor.

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Impressions from the site visit

When I visited the Brackenbrook vineyard in the hills of Nelson, the sun was shining brightly, making it seem like it could be called "Sunny Nelson." The sunlight was gently filtering through to the vines, which had been properly pruned, but the careful cultivation management to prevent sunburn was impressive.

Their philosophy is to keep things natural and to avoid excessive manipulation, and this Chardonnay reflects that philosophy.

I visited Mapua Wharf, a famous spot in Nelson, with the owner and his wife. I'll never forget the feeling of harmony I felt when I paired this wine with seafood at a restaurant in the port town. It wasn't too assertive, but it certainly enhanced the food with its presence.

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Recommended pairings are...

• Sauteed scallops in butter

  The richness of the butter is complemented by the aroma of roasted chestnuts and roasted notes, giving the aftertaste a clean finish.

• Grilled Salmon (Lemon & Herbs)

  The aroma of lemon peel blends refreshingly with the fat of the salmon, and also goes well with the fragrant grilled flavor.

• Shrimp and porcini risotto

  The sweetness of the shrimp and the aroma of porcini mushrooms are complemented by the minerality and nuttiness of the wine.

• White fish meunière (burnt butter sauce)

  The aroma of burnt butter and roasted almonds from the wine combine to create a mellow flavor.

• Creamy chicken thighs (with mushrooms)

  The dry Chardonnay adds a refreshing touch to creamy dishes that are not too rich, creating a perfect balance.

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Respecting nature and listening to the grapes themselves

The owners' attitude is what gives this Chardonnay its delicacy and energy.

It's not overly decorative, but has a certain elegance to it. It blends in well with the food, while still retaining its own individuality.

This is a film that exudes quiet confidence.

About the Brackenbrook Winery

Blackenbrook is a boutique winery located in the Nelson region, on the north coast of New Zealand's South Island.

This region, also known as "Sunny Nelson," boasts abundant sunshine among New Zealand's wine-producing regions and produces highly aromatic wines.

The owner, Daniel, studied viticulture and brewing at Lincoln University, then gained experience in Austria, Germany, and France (Alsace), and in New Zealand served as wine chief at the prestigious Seyfried Winery, also in Nelson.

After that, together with his wife and partner Ursula, he spent two years searching for the perfect location before arriving at his current location.

At Brackenbrook, the fruit is carefully grown in sustainable vineyards and vinified in a winery designed to make the most of the gravity flow system (a method in which the wine is moved entirely by natural gravity during the vinification process).

About Nelson

Nelson is located in the northern part of the South Island and is affectionately known as "Sunny Nelson" due to the extremely long hours of sunshine it enjoys throughout the year.

This relatively small wine-producing region is mostly made up of small wineries known as boutique wineries.

Taking advantage of the abundant sunshine, aromatic white wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris are mainly produced. Pinot Noir, with its robust fruit flavor, is popular among red wines. Nelson is also famous for its hops and fruit production.

Blackenbrook Nelson Chardonnay 2022

item	Content
Winery Name	Brackenbrook
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Nelson
vineyard	Tasman
kinds	white
Grape varieties	Chardonnay
Vintage	2022
Alcohol content	13.5%
capacity	750ml
others	Certified sustainable, vegan wine
remarks	screw cap