Meltwater Marlborough Chenin Blanc 2021

Meltwater Marlborough Chenin Blanc is a single-puncheon Chenin Blanc from a small parcel in the Brancott Valley.

Alongside its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Wrekin vineyard holds a small planting of Chenin Blanc, and 2021 was the first year Mike Paterson secured an allocation from owners Jan and Andrew Johns. Asked how the grape is usually handled in the region, he deadpanned that it gets treated like Sauvignon Blanc, so it is not his kind of wine. He took the Vouvray route instead: harvested late, pressed whole bunches, sent the juice with full solids to puncheon for a wild ferment, and pulled it out of oak in January for a March bottling. Just over a tonne of fruit made one barrel.

White flowers and lanolin mark the variety clearly, over a succulent palate dotted with honey and brown spice and kept lively by acidity. Serve at 11 to 12 degrees. Roast pork with apple, a soft washed-rind cheese, or chicken with tarragon.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.