# Verve Chardonnay (2019)

- **Producer:** Ocean Eight
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Victoria, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, pastry, biscuit

## About this wine

Ocean Eight Verve Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. The wine's name, 'Verve,' reflects its lively and energetic character, particularly its prominent citrus notes. The producer, Ocean Eight, is a family-owned winery founded by Michael and Hollie Aylward, inspired by European winemaking traditions. Their philosophy centers on creating wines that express the Mornington Peninsula's climate and growing conditions, emphasizing food-friendliness and aging potential. The vineyard, planted in 2006, benefits from the region's cool climate and specific soil types, contributing to the wine's distinctive profile.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Verve' signifies the wine's lively, energetic character.
- Vines were planted in 2006, making them approximately 13 years old in 2019.
- The vineyard is situated at an elevation of 65 meters.
- The wine is fermented using indigenous yeasts from the vineyard.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, cleansing the palate. Its freshness complements delicate seafood and subtle flavors, while citrus notes can echo or contrast with similar elements in the dish.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Ocean Eight Verve Chardonnay begins with chilling the grapes overnight before whole-bunch pressing. Fermentation is initiated spontaneously using indigenous yeasts from the vineyard, taking place in older French barriques at temperatures between 25-32°C. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a 12-month aging period in these barriques, with full lees contact. The oak used is over six years old, ensuring a subtle oak influence. This approach aims to highlight the characteristics of the Chardonnay grape and the Mornington Peninsula's terroir.