Chardonnay, Auckland
Chardonnay is planted in almost every region in the world and makes a wide variety of wine styles from light-bodied, crisp and unoaked through to full-bodied, complex barrel matured versions. Chardonnay is an adaptable variety and can be grown in cool regions as well as warm areas. It is a productive, early budding and early ripening variety.
Chardonnay first came to Australia in the 1920s but didn’t find popularity until the 1970s. Grown all across the country the cool climate versions (like found in the Yarra Valley and Tasmania) tend to be lighter in body with higher acidity and more subtle flavours. Warm climate versions (found in Margaret River, Hunter Valley and the Adelaide Hills) tend to be more full-bodied with richer, riper fruit and bolder flavours.
The Auckland region was home to the Dalmatian immigrants who settled in West Auckland in the early part of the 20th Century, bringing with them wine-making traditions. The New Zealand wine industry largely owes its beginnings to those early settlers.
Most of the wineries are around 45 minutes drive from the city of Auckland, so the region is popular for day trippers. Auckland’s climate in general isn't ideally suited to grape cultivation, but small pockets or sub-regions exist where micro-climates can produce some world-class wines. The region typically gets enough sunshine for the harvest, but rain is the constant threat, especially in spring and summer.
The red varieties that work the best in the region are the Bordeaux styled varieties made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and also the non-Bordeaux Syrah. Most notable of the whites grown in the region is Chardonnay, for which Kumeu River is very highly regarded.
Chardonnay first came to Australia in the 1920s but didn’t find popularity until the 1970s. Grown all across the country the cool climate versions (like found in the Yarra Valley and Tasmania) tend to be lighter in body with higher acidity and more subtle flavours. Warm climate versions (found in Margaret River, Hunter Valley and the Adelaide Hills) tend to be more full-bodied with richer, riper fruit and bolder flavours.
The Auckland region was home to the Dalmatian immigrants who settled in West Auckland in the early part of the 20th Century, bringing with them wine-making traditions. The New Zealand wine industry largely owes its beginnings to those early settlers.
Most of the wineries are around 45 minutes drive from the city of Auckland, so the region is popular for day trippers. Auckland’s climate in general isn't ideally suited to grape cultivation, but small pockets or sub-regions exist where micro-climates can produce some world-class wines. The region typically gets enough sunshine for the harvest, but rain is the constant threat, especially in spring and summer.
The red varieties that work the best in the region are the Bordeaux styled varieties made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and also the non-Bordeaux Syrah. Most notable of the whites grown in the region is Chardonnay, for which Kumeu River is very highly regarded.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay is drawn from six different vineyard sites in the Kumeu Region. Particularly care is taken in selecting only the very best grapes from these vineyards for the Kumeu River Estate label. Shows lovely stone fruits, creamed nuts, ... Learn MoreKumeu River 'Village' Chardonnay 2019$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Kumeu River, northwest of Auckland is without a doubt NZ’s finest chardonnay producer. Master of Wine and winemaker Michael Brajkovich has been crafting fine chardonnay at the estate since the 1980’s. Hand picked fruit and vigorous selection from the ... Learn MoreKumeu River 'Estate' Chardonnay 2018$44.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The Man O’ War story begins with a special piece of land rich in history. Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War is a stunning array of coastal hillsides with high cliffs and pristine beaches forming ... Learn MoreMan O War Valhalla Chardonnay 2019$47.99 Per item -
The Man O’ War story begins with a special piece of land rich in history. Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War is a stunning array of coastal hillsides with high cliffs and pristine beaches forming ... Learn MoreMan O War Valhalla Chardonnay 2018$49.01 Per itemOut of stock -
For international Chardonnay day, we're going to celebrate appropriately! Chardonnay is one of the most widely-planted, divisive, as well as diverse grape varieties on earth. At this tasting will take a deep dive into this variety and look at 3 ... Learn More
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