Greywacke Chardonnay 2021

Region and Vineyards

The fruit for the Greywacke Chardonnay was primarily sourced from the low-yielding Mendoza clone, which is known for its concentration of flavor and crisp acidity. The rest of the grapes come from Clone 95. Most of the fruit was grown in the lower reaches of the Brancott Valley and Fairhall in gravelly, clay-loam soils, which contribute to the wine's texture and complexity. A smaller portion was sourced from vineyards in Renwick and Rapaura, where the young alluvial soils are rich in greywacke river stones, which enhance the wine's minerality and vibrancy.

The vineyards are managed using a combination of Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) and the Scott Henry canopy management system, ensuring optimal ripeness and concentration in the fruit.

Winemaking

The Greywacke Chardonnay was hand-harvested in separate batches at high ripeness levels and whole-bunch pressed using very gentle press cycles to avoid over-extraction. The juice was lightly settled and then racked into French oak barriques (16% new). Fermentation occurred naturally with indigenous yeasts, and the final stages of fermentation extended over several months.

The wine underwent full malolactic fermentation, contributing to its creamy texture. It also received occasional lees stirring to enhance mouthfeel. After 11 months in oak, the wine was transferred out of barrels and bottled.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with bright clarity.
• Aroma: A seductive blend of pink grapefruit, lime juice, and a hint of fresh ginger and orange zest. The tropical aromas of mango and pineapple are balanced by earthy notes reminiscent of petrichor (the scent of rain on dry earth).
• Palate: The palate is richly textured with flavors of tropical fruit and citrus, complemented by a flinty dryness and a tight, structured finish. The wine has excellent concentration and a long, refreshing finish, with subtle oak influence adding depth.
• Finish: Long, dry, and flinty with lingering notes of citrus and tropical fruit.

Did You Know?

This vintage in Marlborough was marked by lower yields due to cool and wet conditions during flowering, but this resulted in concentrated fruit with exceptional ripeness. The Mendoza clone used in this wine is known for its naturally low yields and small berries, contributing to the wine's intensity and complex flavors.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lobster with lemon butter sauce: The wine’s bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors complement the richness of the lobster, while its flinty character enhances the dish’s buttery notes.
• Roast chicken with herbs: The creamy texture of the wine pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of roasted chicken, bringing out the herbal and citrus elements.
• Mushroom risotto: The wine’s earthy notes and richness harmonize with the umami flavors of mushrooms and the creaminess of the risotto.
• Goat cheese tart with caramelized onions: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the goat cheese, while its tropical fruit and citrus notes balance the sweetness of the caramelized onions.

History of Greywacke Estate

The story of Greywacke begins with Kevin Judd, one of the leading figures in New Zealand's wine industry. Born in England and raised in Australia, Judd moved to New Zealand in 1983 to pursue winemaking. His work as the founding winemaker at Cloudy Bay, one of Marlborough’s most famous wineries, catapulted the region to international fame, particularly for its Sauvignon Blanc. Over his 25-year career at Cloudy Bay, Judd helped shape the style of Marlborough’s wines, known for their vibrant acidity and intense fruit flavors.

In 2009, after leaving Cloudy Bay, Judd founded Greywacke as his own independent project, allowing him to focus on crafting wines with a more artisanal, hands-on approach. Initially producing the wines at Dog Point Winery, another notable Marlborough estate, Greywacke became a standalone brand that quickly gained a reputation for quality. Judd named the winery after the greywacke stones that are scattered throughout Marlborough’s vineyards, symbolizing the estate’s deep roots in the local soil.

Greywacke remains a family-run business, with Judd overseeing both the vineyard management and winemaking. His wife, Kimberley, also plays an integral role in the estate’s operations. With a small but dedicated team, Greywacke has established itself as one of Marlborough’s top boutique wineries, producing wines that are both complex and expressive of the region’s terroir.

Region and Vineyards

Greywacke sources its grapes from some of the finest vineyards across Marlborough, focusing on the Southern Valleys and Wairau Plains. The region is New Zealand’s premier wine-growing area, benefiting from a cool maritime climate and long growing season. This combination of climate and geography enables Greywacke to produce wines with intense flavors, vibrant acidity, and a remarkable sense of place.

The Southern Valleys, where Greywacke’s Pinot Noir is primarily sourced, is known for its clay-rich soils, which contribute texture and complexity to the wines. The vineyards here benefit from warmer temperatures, allowing the grapes to achieve full ripeness while maintaining freshness. The Wairau Plains, on the other hand, are characterized by stony, alluvial soils that drain freely and are ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc. These soils, combined with the region’s abundant sunshine, produce wines with bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity.

Greywacke’s vineyards are managed with sustainability at the forefront, and many of the sites are organically farmed. The winery adheres to Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) guidelines, ensuring that its wines meet the highest standards of provenance, quality, and environmental stewardship. Greywacke focuses on low yields to ensure the concentration and quality of the fruit, with hand-harvesting and meticulous vineyard care throughout the growing season.

Wine Range

Greywacke is best known for its iconic Sauvignon Blanc, which combines vibrant tropical fruit flavors with subtle complexity from wild fermentation. The range also includes:

• Wild Sauvignon: A more complex, oak-aged expression of Sauvignon Blanc, fermented with wild yeasts to add depth and texture.
• Pinot Noir: Elegant and structured, Greywacke’s Pinot Noir showcases red fruit, spice, and earthy undertones, reflecting the diverse terroirs of Marlborough.
• Chardonnay: A rich and textured wine with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and integrated oak, made in a style that balances freshness with complexity.
• Riesling and Gewürztraminer: Small-batch aromatic wines that emphasize purity of fruit and vibrant acidity.

Did You Know?

In addition to his winemaking achievements, Kevin Judd is a talented photographer. His passion for photography is often showcased on the Greywacke wine labels, which feature his evocative images of New Zealand’s landscapes. His photography has been exhibited internationally and is the subject of several books, including The Colour of Wine.