Fraser Gallop Palladian Chardonnay 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Margaret River region, located in Western Australia, is renowned for its exceptional conditions for viticulture. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. This climatic influence, combined with the proximity to the Indian Ocean, ensures a long, even growing season, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining vibrant acidity.

The vineyards of Fraser Gallop Estate are situated on gentle, north-facing slopes with well-drained gravelly loam soils, which contribute to the complexity and minerality of the wines. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, ensuring minimal intervention and respect for the natural environment. The careful selection of vineyard sites and meticulous management of the vines result in grapes of exceptional quality, perfectly suited for producing world-class Chardonnay.

Winemaking

The Fraser Gallop Palladian Chardonnay is crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes, specifically the Gin-Gin clone, known for its low yields and high quality. The grapes are hand-picked in shallow, slotted picking bins to enable the fruit to be cooled effectively overnight to 8 degrees Celsius.

The winemaking process begins with whole bunch pressing directly to shorter, wider fermenters for settling. The juice is not racked but goes directly to 500-liter French oak puncheons with light toasting. This method allows for natural wild yeast fermentation, which enhances the fruit's brightness and complexity. The wine undergoes 9 months of aging in these puncheons, developing a balanced and elegant profile.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with hints of green, indicating freshness and vitality.
• Aroma: An inviting bouquet of lime, green apple, struck match, roasted chestnuts, and citrus blossom. The toasty oak is present but not overdone.
• Palate: The palate is vibrant and lively, with a razor-sharp lemony focus and a citrus zing. The flinty quartz-like dryness is offset by a touch of sweetness, leading to great balance and a long, mineral finish.

Did you know?

The Fraser Gallop Estate Chardonnay is now produced using 100% Gin-Gin clone, known for its low yields and high-quality fruit. This clone, combined with meticulous winemaking techniques, has elevated the Palladian Chardonnay to new heights, offering a distinct and complex style that stands apart from the estate's Parterre series.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon Butter Sauce: The citrus notes and vibrant acidity of the Chardonnay complement the delicate flavors of the fish, while the creamy texture of the wine enhances the richness of the sauce.
• Roast Chicken with Herb Stuffing: The wine's balanced acidity and creamy mouthfeel harmonize beautifully with the savory flavors and crispy skin of the roast chicken.
• Pasta Primavera: The fresh, green flavors of the vegetables and the light, creamy sauce are a perfect match for the wine's fruit-forward profile and subtle oak influence.
• Camembert Cheese: The creamy texture and mild flavor of Camembert enhance the wine's creamy mouthfeel and delicate fruit flavors.

History of Fraser Gallop Estate

Fraser Gallop Estate was founded by Nigel Gallop in 1999. Driven by a passion for wine and a desire to create world-class wines, Gallop chose the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River for its exceptional grape-growing conditions. The estate spans 165 acres, with 50 acres under vine, dedicated to the classic Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

The winemaking team, led by Chief Winemaker Clive Otto, brings a wealth of experience and a meticulous approach to both viticulture and vinification. Otto, who joined the estate in 2006, has been instrumental in shaping the style and quality of Fraser Gallop’s wines, focusing on minimal intervention and expressing the purity of the fruit and the distinct characteristics of the terroir.

Region and Vineyards

Fraser Gallop Estate is situated in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River, Western Australia, an area celebrated for its ideal climate and soils for viticulture. The estate's vineyards benefit from a maritime climate, characterized by warm summers, cool evenings, and a significant diurnal temperature range, which helps to preserve acidity and enhance flavor development in the grapes.

The soils in Wilyabrup are predominantly gravelly loams over clay subsoils, providing excellent drainage and a moderate level of fertility, ideal for producing high-quality wine grapes. The vineyards are meticulously managed with sustainable practices, focusing on vine health and fruit quality.

Wine Range

Fraser Gallop Estate produces a range of wines that showcase the best of the Margaret River region.

Their flagship wines include the Parterre range, featuring Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot. These wines are crafted to express the elegance, balance, and complexity that the region is known for.

In addition to the Parterre range, Fraser Gallop Estate also produces a limited-release series, including the Palladian Cabernet Sauvignon and Palladian Chardonnay, which represent the pinnacle of their winemaking efforts, made only in exceptional vintages.

Did you know

Fraser Gallop Estate has consistently received high praise from wine critics and has won numerous awards. One of their notable achievements includes winning the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend in 2010, highlighting their commitment to excellence and their ability to compete on the world stage.