Winery & Vintage Info
Chardonnay grapes for this wine were grown in a selected vineyard from the cool climates in the elevated “mezzanine” of the Yarra Valley. This vineyard was earmarked by the winemakers for the production of still wine Chardonnay for a number of reasons, including the clone and soil type, as well as row orientation and canopy structure. Our specific aim for the production of our Chardonnay is the retention of acidity with ripe pear and stone fruit characters.
The vineyard chosen for Domaine Chandon Chardonnay was carefully monitored by the winemakers throughout the ripening period to determine the exact timing of the harvest. The grapes were harvested when they were expressing vibrant acidity and ripe Chardonnay flavours, as well as appropriate and moderate sugar content. Grapes were immediately pressed into high quality French oak barrels for wild yeast fermentation. A brief period of battonage (lees stirring) followed the fermentation, after which the wines rested on their lees for ten months. Wines were then blended from oak, stabilised and filtered prior to bottling.
Good winter and early spring rains provided perfect conditions for strong shoot and leaf growth. Warm spring conditions led to an early budburst followed by early flowering. Clear and dry summer weather prevailed, with some brief rain in January, just enough to slow the ripening and carry the soil moisture through to harvest. Warm days through February without extreme heat events ensured full ripening of mature grapes. Winery Notes
