International Chardonnay Day
Brokenwood Wines began its Chardonnay journey in the Hunter Valley with the Graveyard Vineyard Chardonnay winning hearts throughout the late 1900s. The 2004 vintage, however, marked its final release with the decision made to replant the vineyard entirely to Shiraz. And, with that our Chardy story set off for new southern ground.
In the early 2000’s, Chardonnay started to gain back popularity both in Australia and internationally, fuelled by an increasing appreciation for more refined and site-driven styles. Winemakers began shifting away from the old school heavily oaked, buttery styles and instead embraced a more zippy, mineral-focused style like French Chablis. This led to greater experimentation in the winery, with a focus on crafting wines that highlighted fruit, natural texture, and terroir. The ‘new trend’ was also aided of course with vineyards getting older and now planted in a wide range of climates, particularly cool sites. As winemakers tend to be, creative, curious, and never quite satisfied, there has always been a willingness to experiment, refine, and push boundaries. The ongoing industry debate between art vs science and terroir vs technique, is one that continues to shape great wines and it is from this spirit of exploration that Indigo Vineyard was introduced to Brokenwood. Our motto of ‘all the right regions, for all the right reasons’ remains strong with our selection of Chardonnay’s showcasing just that.
Today, Brokenwood’s Chardonnay portfolio (led by Chief Winemaker Stuart Hordern) focuses very much on this modern version with maturation solely in French Oak to achieve desired characteristics of white peach, grapefruit and cashews. Among them, Indigo Vineyard is a standout, earning widespread acclaim and continuing to build on its reputation since its introduction.
In 2022, Brokenwood Wines released the inaugural vintage of its Oakey Creek Vineyard Chardonnay after taking the keys from the Drayton family in mid-2021. It was a particularly proud release, continuing the tradition of a single vineyard Hunter Valley Chardonnay and answering the many enquiries received over the years about the Graveyard Vineyard Chardonnay.
Newest to our Chardy-line-up is the Wondalma Vineyard Chardonnay, a slightly more delicate and fine style in comparison with its siblings. Following on from the success of the Maragle Vineyard Chardonnay from 2021 (Best NSW Chardonnay at the 2022 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, Regional Trophy at the 2023 Halliday Chardonnay Challenge), when the opportunity arose to take the fruit from this exceptional vineyard in early 2024, it was too good to refuse. A staff favourite alongside the Indigo for sure!
In celebration of International Chardonnay Day, we share a parting message with you… Drink Chardonnay and, who knows, you may accidentally discover you’ve had good taste all along.
Even if you are new to the world of Chardonnay or have reservations about the style, almost everyone you speak to at Brokenwood will tell you you must try our varietal Chardonnay. For the price point of just AU$36 a bottle, it is a serious Chardonnay to have under your belt.
Start or continue developing your wine palate with a bit of Brokenwood!
