Rich barrel aroma and fruity taste

This Chardonnay has recently been served by the glass at my (sommelier Iwasu's) restaurant, Bokumo, and it has been very well received.

By the way, when it comes to Chardonnay in New Zealand, it tends to be somewhat overshadowed by the overwhelming presence of Sauvignon Blanc.

In fact, Chardonnay accounts for less than 5% of New Zealand's total wine production.

However, Chardonnay is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and popular international varieties, and there are winemakers all over New Zealand who are using advanced technology to produce Chardonnay that rivals that of Europe.

Among them, here is a wine from North Canterbury/Waipara that gives off a sense of "great experience and skill."

This is a Chardonnay from Main Divide, the second line of the prestigious Pegasus Bay .

Pegasus Bay / Main Divide's primary white variety is Riesling, but tasting it makes it clear that they also make good use of the Chardonnay.

Rather than emphasizing the fruit style that is common in New Zealand, it seems to be well put together with other elements.

The first thing you notice when you pour it into a glass is the refreshing aroma of plum, pear , and citrus , followed by the fragrant nuances of almond and brioche from the barrels.

Deep down, there is a minerality reminiscent of limestone and wet stone , which tightens the flavor.

The body is thick , but the supple acidity keeps it fresh. The aftertaste is rich in minerals , and the aroma of roasted almonds comes back down your throat.

I think this is a wine in which the fruit and non-fruit elements coexist in a good balance.

The ideal temperature to drink is around 12°C. If it's too cold, the aroma will be lost, so be careful.

• Creamy Chicken
• Avocado and grapefruit salad
• Scallop and zucchini carpaccio
• Butter-sautéed sea bream (with dill)
• Pork shabu-shabu and lemon hotpot

This dish goes well with this.

It goes especially well with creamed chicken. The mellowness of the wine matches the creaminess of the dish, bringing out the fruitiness of the wine.

Give it a try!

About the Winery "Main Divide"

Main Divide is the second brand of Pegasus Bay, one of Canterbury's most prestigious wineries.

The wine is brewed by the team at Pegasus Bay using grapes sourced from growers across the Waipara Valley and their own grapes.

Main Divide not only produces Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but also Bordeaux blend red wines, which are rare in the South Island. All of the wines are fruity yet have a complex flavor.

"Main Divide" is the nickname for the Southern Alps, a mountain range that runs through New Zealand's South Island. The name implies that the wines reflect the cool and pure climate of the South Island and express the individuality of each region and variety.

About the Canterbury/Waipara region

Canterbury/Waipara is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island and is characterized by a cool, dry climate.

North Canterbury, which covers the country's largest plain, is also one of the world's leading lamb-producing regions, and the wineries scattered throughout the region offer a wide variety of wines.

Waipara, which can be reached from Christchurch on a day trip, produces premium wines such as Riesling and Pinot Noir and is a popular tourist destination.

Main Divide Chardonnay 2022

item	Content
Winery Name	Main Divide
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	North Canterbury
kinds	white
Grape variety	Chardonnay
Vintage	2022
Alcohol content	12.9%
capacity	750ml
others	Sustainable Certification
remarks	Screw Cap