Village Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown in both Kumeu and Hawke’s Bay. The wine undergoes partial barrel fermentation which provides some richness but very little oak in influence. Combined with tank fermentation, this allows the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral edginess with hints of fig and white peach.

Beautiful fruit aromas, flavors, and concentration. The Rays Road vineyard in Hawke’s Bay contributed to the final blend, imparting a distinctive limestone edginess. The moderate alcohol level provides freshness with a lovely flinty texture. Citrus elements of Chardonnay shine through, culminating in a refreshingly crisp acid finish. This wine is delightful as an apritif and even better when paired with seafood.

Kumeu River, one of the first wineries in Auckland, New Zealand, helped establish the reputation of Kumeu as a word-class wine region. Founded in 1944 by the Brajkovich family, immigrants from Croatia, the estate has grown and flourished over the years through the dedication to producing benchmark-quality Chardonnay, influenced heavily by Burgundy (and often confused as such in blind tastings). Its array of single-vineyard Chardonnays represents some of the finest examples of this grape anywhere in the world, the Cte dOr included.

Founded in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich, wife Kat and son Mat, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Zealand, that helped to establish its reputation as a world-class wine region. Still family owned and run, the estate has grown and flourished over the years through the dedication to producing benchmark quality Chardonnay influenced heavily by Burgundy (and often confused as such in blind tastings). Its array of single-vineyard Chardonnays represents some of the finest examples of this grape anywhere in the world, the Cte dOr included. Michael Brajkovich, New Zealands first member of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine, London, leads the efforts in the winery while his siblings, Marianna, Paul and Milan take the lead on Sales, Marketing and Vineyard Management for Kumeu River. All Kumeu River wines are hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed and demonstrate exclusive use of indigenous yeast fermentation. The Chardonnays of Kumeu River have gained a strong foothold within the international market, continuously and consistently receiving outstanding accolades.

Proof/ABV: 13