# Idle Lane Chardonnay (2023)

- **Producer:** Mr. Riggs Wine Co
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** South Australia, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €16
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** citrus, peach, green apple, vanilla, hazelnut, flinty, steely

## About this wine

The Mr. Riggs Wine Co. Idle Lane Chardonnay 2023 is a 100% Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. Founded in 2001 by winemaker Ben Riggs, the winery focuses on creating wines that reflect the essence of their vineyard and region. The Adelaide Hills' cool climate is well-suited for producing Chardonnay with balanced acidity and vibrant fruit. The 2023 vintage presented challenges with early wet weather, but a cool autumn allowed for extended ripening, contributing to the wine's character. The winemaking approach for Idle Lane Chardonnay is inspired by Old World styles, particularly Chablis, emphasizing the complexity of barrel fermentation.

## Interesting facts

- Inspired by Chablis, aiming for purity over overt oak.
- Fermented in French oak, focusing on complexity, not new oak.
- Aged on lees for nine months to build texture.
- Mr. Riggs Wine Co. was established in 2001.

## Food pairing

The wine's balanced acidity cuts through richer elements like butter and cream, while its citrus notes complement seafood and lighter proteins. The subtle nutty and vanilla notes from seasoned oak can harmonize with creamy textures and roasted vegetables.

## Wine making process

The Idle Lane Chardonnay is produced using 100% Chardonnay grapes. The winemaking process begins with whole-bunch pressing of the fruit. The resulting juice is then fermented in French oak barrels, with a focus on developing complexity from the fermentation process itself rather than new oak influence. After fermentation, the wine undergoes an extended aging period of nine months on its lees. This technique is employed to enhance the wine's texture and depth.