# Vicar's Choice Barrel Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Saint Clair Family Estate
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Marlborough, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, pineapple, lemon, coconut, vanilla, cloves, butter, hazelnut

## About this wine

The Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Barrel Chardonnay 2022 is a 100% Chardonnay from Marlborough, New Zealand. Produced by Saint Clair Family Estate, a family-owned winery founded by pioneers Neal and Judy Ibbotson, the wine is a reflection of the estate's dedication to quality. Marlborough's cool climate and ample sunshine are key to the grape's development. A distinctive feature of this wine's creation is the fermentation of approximately half the Chardonnay in oak barrels, with the remainder in stainless steel tanks, aiming for a balance of freshness and textural complexity. The name 'Vicar's Choice' suggests a carefully selected parcel of fruit.

## Interesting facts

- Half the wine is fermented in oak, the other half in stainless steel.
- Grapes are hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness.
- Saint Clair Family Estate is a pioneer in Marlborough viticulture.
- The 'Vicar's Choice' name suggests a special selection of grapes.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and subtle oak notes pair well with richer dishes, while its inherent freshness can cut through creamy sauces and complement citrus elements. The balance of fruit and oak makes it versatile for dishes with moderate flavor intensity.

## Wine making process

The Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Barrel Chardonnay 2022 is produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes. A key winemaking decision involves fermenting roughly half of the wine in oak barrels, while the other half is fermented in stainless steel tanks. This dual approach aims to create a wine with both textural complexity from the oak and vibrant freshness from the stainless steel. The grapes are hand-harvested at night to ensure optimal fruit quality and freshness. The wine's aging process is influenced by its time in oak barrels, contributing to its overall profile.