# Rawson's Retreat Chardonnay (2023)

- **Producer:** Rawson's Retreat
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** South Eastern Australia, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** tropical, grapefruit, peach, lemon, apricot, cream, vanilla

## About this wine

Rawson's Retreat Chardonnay is a white wine from South Eastern Australia, produced by Rawson's Retreat, a brand with roots tracing back to Penfolds. The wine is named after the founder's family cottage, built in 1845, reflecting a connection to Australian winemaking history. The brand aims to provide high-quality, fresh-flavored wines at an affordable price. The 2023 vintage experienced challenging weather conditions in Australia, leading to reduced yields, which can contribute to fruit concentration.

## Interesting facts

- Named after a historic family cottage from 1845.
- Created by Penfolds to offer accessible quality.
- Represents everyday Australian wine at its best.
- Known as 'like sunshine in the glass!'

## Food pairing

The medium body and crisp acidity of this Chardonnay make it versatile. It can cut through the richness of creamy sauces and complement the delicate flavors of seafood and poultry. Its fruit-forward character bridges well with herbs and citrus notes in dishes.

## Wine making process

Rawson's Retreat Chardonnay is produced using 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from South Eastern Australia. The winemaking process emphasizes a simple, clean, and fruity style, primarily through fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This technique aims to preserve the natural fruit characteristics of the grape. Fruit selection is a key aspect of ensuring quality and achieving the brand's approachable style. While not explicitly detailed for this vintage, some expressions may incorporate a hint of oak during aging to add textural complexity.