This wine is characterized by...

• This is a New Zealand Chardonnay wine that brings out the natural power of the grapes without relying on the aroma of the oak.
  
• Hand-picked grapes are fermented and aged in wooden barrels, then aged in stainless steel tanks to achieve a complex flavor.
  
• It has fruity flavors of white peach and lime, a mellow acidity, and a minerality reminiscent of seashells.
  
• Winemaker Warren Gibson places great importance on the potential of the grapes and deliberately avoids adding oak aromas.
  
• It goes well with dishes that make the most of the natural flavor of the ingredients, such as asparagus salad and scallop carpaccio.

Chardonnay that doesn't rely on oak aromas

Chardonnay is a grape variety known for its versatile character. It is characterized by the variety of styles that are created depending on the place of origin and the intention of the winemaker. Among them, the most common style is "barrel Chardonnay." Barrel aging adds vanilla and smoky nuances to the wine, creating a complex and rich flavor.

New Zealand Chardonnay is also often made using fruity grapes with a hint of oak aroma. Its fruity flavor combined with the richness of the oak is loved by many people.

However, this wine stands out from the rest.

This Chardonnay does not rely on the aroma of oak, but instead maximizes the power of the grapes themselves. And yet, it has a complex flavor that is by no means simple.

First, let’s take a look at the manufacturing process.

The hand-picked grapes are gently pressed and fermented with wild yeast in two types of wooden barrels, large and small. Malolactic fermentation is performed to reduce the acidity, and then the wine is aged in the wooden barrels for 11 months. It is then transferred to a stainless steel tank and aged on the lees for four months, after which it is bottled without clarification.

The key to this production method is that after fermentation and aging, the wine is further aged in stainless steel tanks .

While most Chardonnays go through the process of "barrel fermentation → barrel aging" or "stainless steel tank fermentation → barrel aging," this wine is transferred to a stainless steel tank after barrel aging and continues to age there.

This process allows the wine to bring out its inherent fruitiness and complexity rather than accentuating the oak aromas.

"Barrel aroma" even though no barrels are used?

When Trinity Hill winemaker Warren Gibson visited Japan recently, he told us the following story about this wine.

"People who drink this wine often tell me that the aroma of the oak is wonderful.

But every time that happens, I think, "Huh? Did I make a mistake in the manufacturing process?"

Warren said this jokingly, but he then told us that because the grapes themselves have great potential, they chose not to add any oak aroma to this wine. This is the Chardonnay they want to make.

Taste and pairing suggestions

My impression after tasting it was that it was surprisingly complex , and I would have been convinced if I had been told that it had been aged in barrels.

However, in reality, most of the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks. By letting the wine sit on the lees, the wine is able to fully express its rich flavor and concentrated taste .

The aroma has fresh fruity notes of white peach and lime , and a mellow acidity spreads in the mouth.

The aftertaste has a mineral feel reminiscent of seashells , and the overall flavor is fruity yet very deep.

Recommended pairings

• Asparagus and ricotta salad
• Scallop Carpaccio (served on a chicory boat)
• Sautéed sea bass with dill sauce
• Fried oysters

Personally, I think it goes better with dishes that don't use a lot of butter or cream, like casked Chardonnay.

Dishes that make the most of the flavor of the ingredients will be a perfect match for this Chardonnay.

About the Winery "Trinity Hill"

Trinity Hill is a winery in Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand. It is a pioneer in the region, having been the first to discover 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 characterized by abundant sunshine and a relatively warm climate, and boasts 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 fruity Chardonnay is a popular white wine.

The Gimlet Gravels, an area created when what was originally a riverbed was pushed up by an earthquake, is one of Hawke's Bay's important sub-regions.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2022

item	Content
Winery Name	Trinity Hill
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Hawke's Bay Gimlet Gravels
kinds	white
Grape variety	Chardonnay
Vintage	2022
Alcohol content	13.7%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap

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