# Church Road McDonald Series Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Church Road Winery Ltd
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €21
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, lemon, apricot, apple, peach, cloves, vanilla, brioche, toasted bread, butter, wet stones, almond, hazelnut

## About this wine

The Church Road McDonald Series Chardonnay 2022 is a single-varietal Chardonnay from Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, produced by Church Road Winery Ltd. This wine is part of a series named to honor Tom McDonald, a significant figure in New Zealand's wine history. The series aims to embody his vision for wines with depth and complexity. The fruit is sourced from vineyards within Hawke's Bay, with specific vineyard sites like the Tuki Tuki river valley contributing to the character of Church Road's Chardonnay expressions. Church Road Winery itself boasts a long history, dating back to 1897, and has played a pivotal role in the development of the New Zealand wine industry.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Tom McDonald, the 'Father of Red Wine in New Zealand'.
- Fruit often sourced from the Tuki Tuki river valley.
- Wild fermentation in French oak barriques is a signature technique.
- A portion of new oak is used for aging.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and textural complexity complement richer dishes. Its balanced acidity can cut through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, while subtle oak notes can harmonize with roasted flavors.

## Wine making process

The Church Road McDonald Series Chardonnay 2022 is produced using 100% Chardonnay grapes. Viticultural practices often include hand-harvesting and whole-bunch pressing. The winemaking process involves wild fermentation in French oak barriques, with some instances of malolactic fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on full yeast lees in French oak barriques, with a portion of new oak used, for approximately 11 months. This approach aims to build complexity and texture into the final wine.