Tohu Matangi Single Vineyard Chardonnay

Tohu (pronounced tor-who) were the world’s first Maori owned and operated wine company, formed back in 1998. They recently launched their new flagship, single vineyard range to their already impressive line up of wines. The single vineyard range celebrates “He Whenua, He Kura” or “The power of place.”

And that place is their stunning Whenua Awa vineyard in Marlborough’s rugged Awatere Valley. As winemaker Bruce puts it “Whenua Awa has shaped us as much as we’ve shaped it. This collection reflects our relationship with the land – the experience we’ve gained over time and our commitment to producing premium, site specific wines that speak clearly of the Upper Awatere.”

This is their Tohu Matangi Single Vineyard Chardonnay – Matangi is pronounced “Mar-tar-ngee” and it means wind in Te Reo Maori. It’s a constant element in the rugged Awatere Valley and shapes the vines and wines they produce, like this gorgeous Chardonnay! The Matangi logo was carefully designed to represent the cycles of climate, land and human effort working together – past, present and future – like the winds of change.

There’s no corners cut here, this is Tohu’s ultimate expression of Chardonnay. All hand picked fruit, barrel fermeted and aged for 10 months in French oak.

And how does Bruce and the Tohu team describe the exciting new release of their flagship Chardonnay? “Matangi Chardonnay showcases the cool elegance of the Southern Awatere. Wild fermentation, extended maturation and meticulous viticulture result in a Chardonnay of texture, depth and quietly powerful refinement.”

If you’re pairing it with kai think roast chicken with lemon and thyme or if it’s kai moana try pan-seared scallops or grilled crayfish with warm garlic butter.