Rich fruit, deep oak

I'm often asked , "What is NZ Chardonnay like?"

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

Awatere has a lot of wines with crisp acidity, rich fruitiness, and a strong mineral taste. You can enjoy the taste of "minerals" added to the New Zealand-like "fruit & oak" flavor.

Among them, the Chardonnay from Vavasour, a 40-year-old veteran based in Awatere, is highly recommended. This is the first bottle I would recommend to anyone who wants to know more 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 realised that Awatere has its own microclimate, setting 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 . Then, in the latter half, there is a minerality reminiscent of shells and flint. The taste is full of fruit, but the subtle use of oak leaves an impression. The slightly salty aftertaste is reminiscent of a cool sea breeze.

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

Now, let's take a look at this Vavasour Chardonnay from the technical notes... All grapes are from their own vineyards. Yields are limited, and only the fruit with a concentrated flavor is carefully selected. The whole bunches are gently pressed and barrel fermented with wild yeast and yeast from the vineyard. After that, it goes through malolactic fermentation and 10 months of French oak aging (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, thick and delicate balance. And yet, at less than 4,000 yen, I think it's a good value!

The recommended pairing is…

• Creamy chicken breast and lentils
• Butter-sautéed scallops (with dill)
• White fish meuniere with lemon butter sauce
• Salmon and mushroom cream pasta
• Gratin Dauphinois (Potato and Cheese Gratin)

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

About the Winery "Vava Sour"

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

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.

Tastes brought about by unique terroir (soil)

It is the Awatere land itself that characterizes their wines.

The cool climate and large day-night temperature differences allow 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 transformed into wine through a meticulous winemaking process.

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.

The brand has earned worldwide acclaim for its exceptional quality, but refrains from putting too much stock in awards and critical acclaim.

Because they value the essential quality of the wine and loyalty to the land above all else.

This approach 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 working closely with the land and respecting its individuality, and he continues to evolve and innovate through meticulous research into the microbial environment and soil characteristics of the fields.

The wines he makes are a unique blend of his love for the land and outstanding technique.

Each bottle of Vavasour wine is packed with respect for the land, the passion of the challengers, and the meticulous attention to detail of the craftsmen.

Vavasour Marlborough Chardonnay 2021

item	Content
Winery Name	Vavasour
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	white
Grape variety	Chardonnay
Vintage	2021
Alcohol content	13.0 %
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap