Monowai Chardonnay

The Crownthorpe Terraces, sounds like a fancy new hotel right? It’s actually a cool sub-region of Hawke’s Bay – cool as in cool climate and cool as in this hidden little gem produces wicked Merlot and Chardonnay especially.

You won’t find Crownthorpe on the touristy wine trails of Hawke’s Bay but that ain’t a bad thing! Monowai were the first family owned winery to see potential here and set up camp in this area west of the warmer coastal plain in the Bay.

The guys at Monowai have thrown plenty at this new 2014 vintage of their Chardonnay to crank up the quality. Better quality oak, higher quality of fruit that’s now hand picked in the vineyard . They’re calling it their best vintage yet, we wouldn’t disagree!

A medium bodied style and by giving it some MLF treatment (Malolactic Fermentation) it’s got a gentle, smooth and sublte creamy texture. All in all you’ll happily slurp this good value Chardy any day of the week – if you’re thinking of cracking it open at the dinner table try with white meats and seafood dishes in light, creamy sauces.