Neudorf Home Block Moutere Chardonnay 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Moutere Hills in Nelson, on New Zealand’s South Island, are renowned for their ancient clay-gravel soils, which impart structure, concentration, and fine minerality to the wines produced here. The Home Block vineyard is the original vineyard of Neudorf Vineyards, established in 1978, and is known for producing exceptional fruit that translates into wines of remarkable depth and longevity.

Nelson's maritime climate, with long sunny days and cool nights, provides ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay. The region's natural balance of warmth and coolness allows for a slow ripening process, which enhances the wine’s vibrant acidity and complex fruit flavors.

Winemaking

The Neudorf Home Block Moutere Chardonnay is crafted with a focus on preserving the purity and intensity of the fruit. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a wild fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels (with a portion in new oak) for 12 months, allowing it to develop layers of texture and flavor without overwhelming the natural characteristics of the fruit.

During the aging process, the wine rests on its lees to build richness and complexity, while maintaining its signature freshness and acidity. The result is a wine that balances ripe fruit flavors with elegant oak integration and a fine mineral backbone.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: Delicate aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and brioche, with subtle hints of hazelnut and wet stone.
• Palate: A richly layered palate featuring flavors of ripe stone fruits, lemon curd, and toasted almonds, underpinned by a refreshing minerality. The creamy texture from lees aging is perfectly balanced with vibrant acidity.
• Finish: Long and precise, with a lingering mineral finish and a touch of oak spice that enhances the wine’s complexity.

Did You Know?

The Home Block vineyard is where Neudorf's journey began in 1978, and it remains the cornerstone of their Chardonnay production. The vineyard’s clay-rich soils produce smaller berries, contributing to the intensity and concentration that define this wine's character. Neudorf's commitment to minimal intervention winemaking allows the unique terroir of the Moutere Hills to shine through with every vintage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lobster with butter sauce: The wine’s rich palate and acidity complement the buttery texture of lobster, while its citrus notes enhance the dish.
• Roast chicken with lemon and herbs: The vibrant acidity and minerality of the Chardonnay balance the richness of roasted chicken, especially when paired with citrus and herbs.
• Creamy pasta dishes: Perfect with fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara, where the wine’s creamy texture and fresh acidity harmonize with the richness of the dish.
• Soft cheeses: A great pairing for creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, which highlight the wine’s elegance and texture.

History of Neudorf Vineyards

Neudorf Vineyards was founded by Tim and Judy Finn in the late 1970s, during a time when the New Zealand wine industry was still in its infancy. The couple, driven by a passion for wine and a pioneering spirit, planted their first vines in Moutere Hills, Nelson, a region they believed had the potential to produce world-class wines. Over the years, Neudorf has grown from a small, family-run operation into a globally respected winery, with a focus on sustainable, organic viticulture and a commitment to low-intervention winemaking.

Judy Finn has been a key force in building the winery's reputation, particularly with her strong stance on sustainability and organic practices. The estate is now a beacon for environmentally conscious winegrowing, aiming to produce wines that are true expressions of the land. Neudorf’s philosophy revolves around minimal manipulation in the vineyard and winery, allowing the unique characteristics of the Moutere soils to shine through.

Region and Vineyards

Neudorf Vineyards is situated in the Moutere Hills within the Nelson region, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Nelson enjoys a maritime climate, characterized by long sunshine hours, warm days, and cool nights, ideal for slow-ripening grapes. This ensures the wines retain vibrant acidity and a fresh fruit character, essential for producing elegant and balanced wines.

The Moutere clay-gravel soils are a key feature of Neudorf’s vineyards. These well-draining soils, rich in minerals, provide excellent conditions for the vines, encouraging deep root growth and producing grapes with intense concentration and complexity. The region’s unique terroir, combined with low-yielding vines, results in wines with a distinct sense of place.

Wine Range

Neudorf Vineyards is internationally celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which consistently receive high acclaim.

• Moutere Pinot Noir is the flagship red, known for its silky texture, complex layers of red fruit, and hints of earth and spice. This wine is crafted with minimal intervention and has excellent aging potential.

• Tom’s Block Pinot Noir offers a more approachable, fruit-forward style while still retaining the elegance and structure of Neudorf’s signature Pinot Noir.

• Moutere Chardonnay is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest, showcasing a rich yet precise minerality, with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and well-integrated French oak. It has a long aging potential.

• Rosie’s Block Chardonnay presents a more fruit-driven style, with vibrant, fresh characteristics, perfect for earlier drinking.

Neudorf also excels with aromatic whites:

• Moutere Riesling is celebrated for its crystalline purity and zesty citrus flavors, underpinned by a vibrant acidity and a mineral core that reflects the terroir.

• Albariño is a recent addition, delivering tropical fruit flavors with a saline minerality, making it perfect for seafood pairings.

• Pinot Gris offers rich notes of pear and apple, balanced by a clean acidity, creating a full-bodied yet refreshing wine.

This diverse range reflects the unique Moutere Hills terroir and Neudorf’s commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention.

Did You Know?

The name "Neudorf" is a nod to the early German settlers in the region, whose heritage is still reflected in the names and culture of the area. Neudorf Vineyards is also committed to biodiversity, with large portions of their estate dedicated to native bush regeneration, reflecting their deep commitment to both the environment and their community.