# Taylors Pass Chardonnay (2020)

- **Producer:** Villa Maria Estate
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Marlborough, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe fruit, lemon, cream, brioche, butter, toasted almond, hazelnut, almond

## About this wine

The Villa Maria Estate Taylors Pass Chardonnay 2020 is a 100% Chardonnay from the Taylors Pass vineyard in Marlborough, New Zealand. Established in 1999, the vineyard is located in the Awatere Valley. Villa Maria Estate, founded in 1961, is a New Zealand winery with vineyards across several regions. The Taylors Pass vineyard's location is influenced by coastal breezes. The 2020 vintage received a Gold medal at The Global Masters.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes are hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness.
- Fermented in a mix of French oak barrels, with 31% new.
- Aged on lees for 11 months in oak, then 5 months in stainless steel.
- Awarded a Gold medal at The Global Masters for the 2020 vintage.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, while its texture complements dishes with similar mouthfeel. Flavors of citrus and subtle oak notes can echo or contrast with ingredients like lemon, herbs, and butter.

## Wine making process

The Taylors Pass Chardonnay is produced using 100% Chardonnay grapes. The grapes are hand-harvested at night and whole clusters are gently pressed. The resulting must is fermented in a mix of French oak barrels, with 31% being new. Thirty percent of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine ages for 11 months on its lees in French oak barrels, and then spends an additional 5 months in stainless steel tanks.