Vavasour Marlborough Chardonnay 2022

Rich fruit, deep oak

I am sometimes asked , "What is New Zealand Chardonnay like?"

Of course, the style varies depending on the region, but Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine-producing region, is a must. And among Marlborough's wines, the one I personally feel is "extremely refined" is the Chardonnay from Awatere Valley .

The wines at Awatere have a crisp acidity, rich fruitiness, and a strong minerality. This is what makes them so appealing. You can enjoy the taste of New Zealand's signature "fruit and oak" with the added charm of "minerality."

Among them, we recommend the Chardonnay from Vavasour, a 40-year-old veteran based in Awatere. This is the first bottle we would recommend to anyone who wants to learn about New Zealand Chardonnay.

On my last trip, I visited Awatere Valley in midsummer. I had heard that it was a relatively cool place on top of a hill, but the reality exceeded my expectations. The wind from the Pacific Ocean blew through, and it was a little cold even in summer! I'm glad I brought a windbreaker... And the soil was bone dry.

I realized that Awatere has its own unique microclimate, which sets it apart from Wairau, Marlborough's major wine-producing area.

Chardonnay grown in such a place is definitely something special.

The aroma is of white peach, apricot, butter, and roasted nuts . The latter half develops a minerality reminiscent of seashells and flint. The palate is full of fruit, but the subtle use of oak leaves an impression. The slightly salty aftertaste evokes the feeling of a cool sea breeze.

In any case , each element is in perfect harmony, and each bite is very satisfying .

Now, let's take a look at this Vava Sour Chardonnay from the technical notes... All grapes are grown in their own vineyards. Yields are limited, and only concentrated fruit is carefully selected. The whole bunches are gently pressed and barrel fermented using wild yeast and yeast from the vineyard. After that, it undergoes malolactic fermentation and 10 months of aging in French oak (with minimal new barrels). The lees are stirred once a week. That's about it.

They do everything from grape growing to brewing in-house, which is what allows them to achieve this moist, rich taste and delicate balance. And yet, at just under 4,000 yen, I think it's a great value!

Recommended pairings are...

• Chicken breast and lentil cream stew
• Butter-sautéed scallops (with dill)
• White fish meunière with lemon butter sauce
• Salmon and mushroom cream pasta
• Gratin Dauphinois (potato and cheese gratin)

One bottle will elevate your everyday dining experience. This is a high-quality Chardonnay for everyday use .

About the Winery "Vava Sour"

Vavasour is a pioneer in Awatere Valley, a unique region in New Zealand's Marlborough region.

In the 1980s, this area was considered unsuitable for winemaking due to its cool, dry climate, strong winds, and rocky soil. However, they were convinced that there was a special flavor that could only be produced in this "difficult land," and they decided to take on the challenge. They were successful, and now Awatere Valley is recognized worldwide as one of New Zealand's leading wine producing regions.

Flavors brought about by unique terroir (soil)

It is the Awatere land itself that characterizes their wines.

The cool climate with its large day-night temperature difference allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in bright acidity and deep flavors. The rocky, well-drained soil gives the wine a distinct minerality that enhances its flavor.

The harsh conditions unique to this region give the wine delicate and complex flavors.

Attention to detail and evolving winemaking

Their vineyards are divided into over 100 small plots, each individually managed, harvested and meticulously vinified to create their wine.

By combining traditional methods with modern techniques, such as natural fermentation using wild yeasts, whole-cluster fermentation, and high-solids fermentation, we are able to faithfully and fully express the individuality of the land.

Although the company has earned worldwide acclaim for its outstanding quality, it refrains from putting excessive emphasis on awards and critical acclaim.

Because they place the utmost importance on the intrinsic quality of the wine and faithfulness to the land.

This attitude resonates strongly with wine lovers who value authenticity and reliability.

The presence of creators with a deep understanding of the land

Winemaker Stu Marfell was born and raised in the Awatere Valley and understands the unique characteristics of this land better than anyone.

His winemaking is based on being close to the land and respecting its individuality, and he meticulously studies the microbial environment and soil characteristics of the fields, constantly evolving and innovating.

The wines he creates are a fusion of his deep love for the land and his outstanding technique, giving them a unique appeal.

Each bottle of Vavasour wine embodies the respect for the land, the passion of a challenger, and the meticulous attention to detail of a craftsman.

Vavasour Marlborough Chardonnay 2022

item	Content
Winery Name	Vavasour
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	white
Grape varieties	Chardonnay
Vintage	2022
Alcohol content	14.0 %
capacity	750ml
remarks	screw cap