2022 Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Chardonnay
Pyramid Valley's 'North Canterbury' Chardonnay is from a number of organic vineyards across North Canterbury, rather than their single vineyard wines like 'Lion's Tooth' and 'Field of Fire' which are from their own estate.
Slightly hazy with a lemony-golden hue. Complex aromas of grilled nuts, citrus fruits, florals and a hint of lemon rind. Mouth-watering acidity drives the wine with laser focus, flavours of citrus fruits, toasted nuts and a creamy texture gives the wine body and weight. A classic North Canterbury Chardonnay that is ripe and juicy, and even a little saline.
Season summary
A cooler season, with higher than average rainfall over the growing period resulting in lush, healthy canopies. The weather became dry and stable in late March/April which allowed for picking of clean, ripe fruit.
Viticulture
Old vine Mendoza Chardonnay from Waipara Springs on Omihi clay soils, planted between 1982-1990. One barrel of first crop Chardonnay from our Central Otago farm in Lowburn. Harvested: 1 - 14 April 2022
Winemaking Hand-picked and fermented with natural vineyard yeasts and aged in 20% new French oak barrels and 38% in a concrete Tulipe for 12 months before settling in a concrete Tulipe on light lees for a further 5 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
