# The Listening Station Chardonnay (2024)

- **Producer:** Boutinot Australia
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Victoria, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, lime, white peach, green apple, tangerine peel

## About this wine

The Listening Station Chardonnay is produced by Boutinot Australia, drawing grapes primarily from the Victoria region. The wine's name is inspired by Australia's historical listening stations, reflecting a connection to the country's vast landscapes and night skies. Boutinot Australia aims to create wines that express pure varietal character and ideal climatic conditions. This Chardonnay is distinguished by its unoaked style, which emphasizes the natural fruit and mineral notes of the 100% Chardonnay grapes. A small addition from Langhorne Creek enhances its texture. The winemaking philosophy prioritizes freshness and vibrant expression, with grapes often harvested at night to maintain acidity.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'The Listening Station' honors Australia's historic satellite tracking outposts.
- Grapes are harvested at night to preserve freshness and acidity.
- This unoaked Chardonnay is a deliberate choice to showcase pure fruit and minerality.
- The 2012 vintage won Gold at both the International Wine Challenge and Sommelier Wine Awards.

## Food pairing

The wine's high, zesty acidity acts as a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes, cutting through fat and cleansing the palate. Its bright citrus and stone fruit notes complement lighter proteins and fresh ingredients, while its minerality harmonizes with seafood.

## Wine making process

The Listening Station Chardonnay is crafted using a clean and crisp winemaking style. The grapes undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks, a process that helps to retain their natural freshness and acidity. Crucially, the wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and sees no oak treatment, preserving the pure fruit and mineral characteristics of the Chardonnay. Grapes are often harvested at night to maintain optimal acidity and freshness. A small portion of Chardonnay from Langhorne Creek may be blended in to enhance palate weight and texture.