A refined Chardonnay made with the utmost care

Out of the ordinary! A veteran newcomer?

Olatera, a new star, was born in Martinborough in 2023. Its founding members are the elite who built Martinborough's signature winery, Dry River.

With the sale of the winery in 2022, the former winemakers decided to take on a new challenge and launch a new brand, Olatera. The central figure was Wilco Lamb, a veteran winemaker who has always listened to the voices of the land and grapes in Martinborough.

Yes, the winery itself is new. But the winemakers are skilled and experienced. Olatera is a latecomer who has achieved the kind of commitment that large wineries cannot match in their own micro-winery.

What struck me when I spoke to them on site was the statement, "We don't own the land, we protect it. That's why it's extremely important to be aware that we're part of a larger cycle."

This philosophy is also evident in their adherence to biodynamic farming and dry farming (no irrigation).The wines born from a dialogue with nature have a "texture" that goes beyond fruitiness.

Cultivation and brewing

The Chardonnay grapes were hand-picked in late March at McCreanor Vineyard in Martinborough, cooled and pressed the following day. The lightly racked juice was fermented spontaneously in large 300-500L barrels and aged until the start of the following harvest. It was then transferred to large 1000L oak barrels and aged on the lees for an additional four months.

Malolactic fermentation began spontaneously in the spring, softening the acid profile and resulting in a wine with a classic structure: 12.5% alcohol, pH 3.41, and 5.8g/L total acidity. It could be described as a "Chardonnay of exceptional purity."

Tasting

Swirling the glass, the first aroma to emerge is a subtle yet distinct aroma of oak, followed by a spicy note of fennel seeds and the fruity aroma of white peach. The aroma is also layered with savory and sweet nuances like nougat and baked pie crust.

The first impression on the palate is a soft, full-bodied texture. A supple acidity emerges later, sharply awakening the palate, before blending with the richness of the fruit and the creaminess derived from aging in the latter half. The finish is long. You can clearly feel the presence of the oak in the back of your nose, and the minerality that clings to your palate tightens the overall finish.

Pairing

This wine is not too assertive, but has a definite presence that will make it an excellent supporting actor that complements the details of your dish.

Pan-fried scallops with white wine and fennel cream sauce : The hint of fennel in the wine blends beautifully with the aroma of the sauce. The plump flesh of the scallops blends beautifully with the soft texture of the Chardonnay.

Chicken ballotine (chicken rolls filled with herbs and vegetables) → The creamy sauce and gelatinous texture of the chicken are complemented by the acidity of the wine and the mellowness of the oak, giving it a light, lingering finish.

Grilled tilefish with scales served with white miso sauce → The crispy aroma of the scales and the subtle sweetness of the white miso are in perfect harmony with the nutty flavor from the wine barrels.

Pork ginger with lemon sauce → The spice of the ginger and the acidity of the lemon combine with the brightness of the citrus fruits of the Chardonnay to create a fresh rhythm in the mouth.

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This is a wine that really makes you realize there's a reason for its price of just under 10,000 yen. The passion and skill cultivated at the prestigious Dry River will blossom on a new stage. I feel that this wine has the potential to become one of New Zealand's leading producers.

Please try this wonderfully elegant Chardonnay, which is the first step towards that goal. Of course, you can expect it to age well for a long time!

About the Winery "Oratera"

Martinborough wine, refined and wild, born from golden soil

Olatera is an up-and-coming winery based in Martinborough, in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand's North Island. It began in October 2024. A team of six people who had honed their skills together at the prestigious Dry River winery decided to go independent and take on a new challenge, launching a new project in their hometown of Martinborough.

They are based in the historic vineyard formerly known as "On Giants' Shoulders." While inheriting the land, they have adopted a new name, Oraterra (Golden Earth), and are now redefining the appeal of this land, with the belief that they will "remain faithful to the energy of the earth."

Respect the land and minimize intervention

Olatera's winemaking begins with a thorough dialogue with the land. They see themselves as the "guardians" (kaitiaki) of their fields, and use organic farming without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, as well as biodynamic farming methods that take into account the phases of the moon and the movement of celestial bodies. Furthermore, they do not irrigate, trusting in the ability of the vines to find water and nutrients on their own, and practice regenerative farming methods that work in harmony with nature.

This hands-off approach is also fully applied to winemaking, with only the bare minimum of human intervention required, from natural fermentation with wild yeasts to barrel aging and bottling. The result is a precise, well-defined wine that truly reflects the character of the land, climate, and vintage.

A collaboration of sight and taste

The Olatela labels feature artwork created by a Martinborough-based artist who visualized the winemaker's "taste image." Each label is different for each wine, and can be considered a "cover" for that bottle alone. They are so beautiful and meaningful that they make you want to collect them as art.

Respect for the land and people

Oratera is more than just a wine brand; it is a land-based project that values coexistence with the local community. We value collaboration with local schools, artisans and Māori hapu (communities), building a cycle that is integrated into the local economy and culture.

Oraterra Martinborough Chardonnay 2023

item	Content
Winery Name	Olatera
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Wairarapa Martinborough
kinds	white
Grape variety	Chardonnay
Vintage	2023
Alcohol content	12.5%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Cork stoppers