Region and Vineyards
The fruit for The Olive Grove Chardonnay is sourced from both McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, two distinct yet complementary terroirs of South Australia. McLaren Vale's Mediterranean climate, tempered by coastal breezes from Gulf St Vincent, allows Chardonnay to achieve richness and expressive fruit character, particularly tropical and stone fruits. The region's varied soils, from sandy loams to clay, provide a generous texture and body.
Adelaide Hills, by contrast, is one of Australia's most renowned cool-climate regions, with altitudes ranging from 400 to 600 metres. Here, Chardonnay develops with elevated acidity, citrus brightness and aromatic finesse. The marriage of these two terroirs brings both depth and freshness, enabling a Chardonnay that is approachable yet structured, with balance between ripe fruit and crisp vibrancy.
Winemaking
The 2023 vintage followed a cool, wet winter in 2022 that replenished water reserves, though heavy spring rains reduced yields. A mild summer, punctuated by a brief February heatwave, delayed ripening but preserved freshness. Despite small yields, the fruit achieved excellent balance of ripeness and acidity.
Grapes were handled in small batches, gently crushed, chilled, and basket pressed to retain purity. Fermentation and maturation took place over seven months in French oak, with more than 60% aged in a mix of old and new barrels, and 25% undergoing full barrel fermentation. This approach enhanced texture, complexity and nutty depth, while preserving fruit brightness. The result is a Chardonnay with both charm and structure, built to please immediately yet with enough substance to develop in bottle.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Bright golden with shimmering reflections.
- Aroma: Expressive nose of pineapple, melon, and peach, lifted by citrus zest and a hint of orange peel.
- Palate: Silken layers of yellow peach, honeydew melon, pineapple and lime zest unfold across the palate. French oak contributes a fine nutty edge, while lively acidity keeps the finish fresh, zesty and lingering.
Did you know?
The wine takes its name from the olive trees planted in McLaren Vale since the 1840s, which often grow among Chardonnay vineyards - sometimes even blocking harvesters during vintage. These olive groves are now as much a part of the landscape as the vines themselves.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Grilled prawns with lemon and herbs - the citrus lift and zesty finish mirror the freshness of the seafood.
- Roast chicken with tarragon and cream - the wine's nutty oak and stone fruit richness complement the savoury depth of the dish.
- Seared scallops with saffron risotto - creamy textures align beautifully with the Chardonnay's silky body and tropical notes.
- Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert - the fruit brightness cuts through creaminess while oak complexity harmonises with the rind.
