Trinity Hill Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2024

The producer's philosophy and commitment

"Our Chardonnay doesn't need barrel aging."

This is what winemaker Warren Gibson said when I visited the prestigious Trinity Hill in Hawke's Bay. True to his words, this Chardonnay does not rely on the aroma of oak, but rather seeks to bring out the neutral and pure charm of the grapes to the fullest .

The grapes are carefully cultivated in the fields and harvested at the perfect time of ripeness. The turbidity of the juice is strictly controlled during pressing, resulting in a highly pure Chardonnay. When I saw this process in person, I was struck by the thorough attention to detail that went into making this wine.

Origin and grapes

This wine is crafted in Hawke's Bay, a renowned wine region on New Zealand's North Island. Crafted exclusively from carefully selected Chardonnay grapes from four vineyards, it is fermented slowly with wild yeasts to bring out the fruit's natural charm and depth.

Vinification and maturation

The wine is vinified in a combination of stainless steel tanks and 500L French oak barrels, with almost no malolactic fermentation (MLF) and aged on the lees for six months, which reduces the vanilla-like oak aroma and allows the pure fruitiness of Chardonnay and a moderate creaminess to stand out.

Taste characteristics

The fresh fruitiness of lime, grapefruit, and stone fruits is complemented by a subtle floral aroma from wild yeast, and is layered with mineral notes reminiscent of roasted nuts and flint, resulting in a supple, multi-dimensional flavor that is both rich and delicate.

Pairing Suggestions

The aftertaste is crisp and dry, and its versatile flavor makes it a great accompaniment to any dish.

• Seafood cream stew: A wonderful harmony of creamy richness and fruitiness.
• Creamy Chicken Pasta The creaminess and refreshing acidity of the wine lighten the heaviness of the dish.
• It is also perfect for dishes that make use of the simple salty and fragrant flavors , such as grilled white fish and roast chicken .
• Suitable for all types of Japanese cuisine, including tempura and grilled fish.The mineral taste and dry finish bring out the best in Japanese ingredients.

This Chardonnay blends naturally into a wide range of dining tables and gently enhances the appeal of food, making it a perfect companion for everyday life.

About the Trinity Hill Winery

Trinity Hill is a winery in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's North Island. They were one of the first to recognize the potential of the Gimlet Gravels, a former riverbed with gravel soil. They specialize in Bordeaux blends and Syrah.

About Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay is located in the eastern part of the North Island and is a region characterized by abundant sunshine and a relatively warm climate, boasting the second largest grape-growing area in Australia.

Hawke's Bay specializes in producing red wines, particularly those made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, while the fruity Chardonnay is a popular white wine.

Additionally, the Gimlet Gravels area, which was created when an earthquake pushed up what was originally a riverbed, is one of Hawke's Bay's most important subregions.

Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2024