Seresin Chardonnay 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Seresin Chardonnay is sourced from the Raupo Creek Vineyard in the Omaka Valley, Marlborough. The vineyard is managed using biodynamic and organic principles, ensuring sustainable practices that enhance the vineyard’s natural health and biodiversity. Situated on a gentle north-west facing slope, the vineyard enjoys high sunshine hours and minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for grape ripening.

The clay-rich soils of Raupo Creek contribute to the texture and richness of the Chardonnay. The 2022 vintage saw stable weather during flowering, leading to abundant fruit set. However, heavy rainfall before harvest increased disease pressure, which was carefully managed through crop thinning and rigorous vineyard work.

Winemaking

The grapes for the Seresin Chardonnay were handpicked in three batches, according to clone. The Mendoza, Clone 95, and Clone 15 were harvested separately to ensure optimal ripeness. After harvesting, the grapes were whole bunch pressed and left to settle overnight in tanks before being racked to barrel.

The fermentation process was entirely natural, with 100% wild yeast fermentation followed by 100% malolactic fermentation, which added richness and creaminess to the wine. The wine was aged for 6 months in French oak barrels, including both puncheons and barriques, to achieve a balance between oak influence and the wine's natural fruit character. After aging, the wine was blended, filtered, and bottled.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with bright clarity.
• Aroma: Aromas of stone fruit such as peach and nectarine, combined with hints of brioche, and subtle toasty oak notes.
• Palate: The palate is layered and creamy, offering flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and lemon zest, with a fine acidity that brings freshness and balance. The texture is smooth, with a touch of brioche and minerality, leading to a long, elegant finish.
• Finish: A clean, lingering finish with vibrant acidity and a harmonious integration of fruit and oak.

Did You Know?

The Seresin Estate follows biodynamic farming practices, which not only promote sustainability but also enhance the natural expression of the vineyard’s terroir. These practices ensure that the grapes are farmed with minimal intervention, resulting in wines that reflect the purity and unique characteristics of the vineyard.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast chicken with herbs and lemon: The creamy texture and bright acidity of the wine complement the richness of roasted chicken, while the citrus elements enhance the dish's flavors.
• Grilled lobster with butter sauce: The wine’s buttery notes and vibrant acidity pair perfectly with the rich flavors of lobster and the freshness of the sauce.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms harmonize with the wine’s subtle oak and creamy texture.
• Goat cheese tart with caramelized onions: The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the sweetness of the onions.

History of Seresin Estate

Seresin Estate was founded in 1992 by Michael Seresin, a New Zealand-born cinematographer known for his work in films like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. His vision for Seresin Estate was inspired by his deep connection to nature and a desire to create wines that were in harmony with the environment. From the outset, the estate embraced biodynamic and organic viticulture, pioneering these practices in the Marlborough region.

Seresin’s first vintage was released in 1996, and the estate quickly gained recognition for its elegant, expressive wines. Michael Seresin’s philosophy has always been to work with nature, not against it. The estate is now fully certified organic and follows biodynamic principles, farming without the use of synthetic chemicals and aligning vineyard work with lunar and natural cycles.

Michael Seresin’s passion for sustainability and craftsmanship is evident not only in the vineyards but also in the winemaking process, where minimal intervention allows the natural character of the grapes and terroir to shine through.

Region and Vineyards

Seresin Estate is located in Marlborough, the most famous wine region in New Zealand, known for producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The estate’s vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley and the Omaka Valley, where a combination of clay and gravel soils provides an ideal environment for grape growing.

Raupo Creek Vineyard in the Omaka Valley is the heart of Seresin Estate. This vineyard is farmed biodynamically and is certified organic. The clay-rich soils here contribute to the texture and depth of Seresin’s wines. The north-west facing slopes of the vineyard ensure high levels of sunshine, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining natural acidity.

Seresin also sources fruit from selected organic vineyards in the Wairau Valley, which add brightness and finesse to the wines. The region’s cool-climate conditions and varied terroir allow Seresin to produce wines that are balanced, complex, and reflective of their place of origin.

Wine Range

Seresin Estate is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but the estate also produces other varietals, each crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to natural winemaking.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Seresin’s Sauvignon Blancs are known for their richness, texture, and complexity, often blended with small amounts of Sémillon to add depth and aging potential. Wines like the Marama Sauvignon Blanc showcase a more nuanced, oak-aged style, while the estate’s classic Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant acidity and tropical fruit.

• Pinot Noir: Seresin produces a range of Pinot Noirs, from the fresh and approachable Leah Pinot Noir to the more structured and complex Sun & Moon Pinot Noir. The estate’s Pinot Noirs are celebrated for their balance of red and dark fruit flavors, fine tannins, and earthy undertones.

• Chardonnay: Seresin’s Chardonnay is an elegant expression of the varietal, with a balance of ripe fruit, minerality, and subtle oak influence. The wine undergoes natural fermentation and extended lees aging for added complexity.

• Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and other varietals: Seresin also produces small quantities of aromatic whites, focusing on the purity of fruit and expression of Marlborough’s cool-climate terroir.

Did You Know?

Michael Seresin, in addition to being a successful filmmaker, is a passionate advocate for organic and biodynamic farming. His belief in working harmoniously with nature extends beyond winemaking, as the estate also grows olive oil and vegetables, further reinforcing the estate’s commitment to sustainability and holistic farming.