In the Alsace region of France, Pinot Gris grapes are used to produce some of the most exquisitely luscious wines in the world. It is this style of wine that Kumeu River strives to emulate. While “gris” means “gray” in French, the skin of a Pinot Gris grape may appear anywhere from a dappled blue-gray to a pinkish brown, depending on where it is grown. The skins of the Kumeu River Pinot Gris grapes are amazingly bright red. When pressed, the juice has a slight pink color that disappears during the fermentation process to eventually reveal a wine with a lovely pale golden hue.
This wine is produced from a vineyard owned by Tim and Angela Coddington whose grapes have contributed to the blend of Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay since 1998. It is a vineyard that produces very rich and unctuous Chardonnay that we have long believed could make an excellent single vineyard wine. In 2006 we decided to give Coddington single vineyard status to reflect this vineyard’s unique character.
Kumeu River is widely regarded as the best Chardonnay producer in New Zealand. The wine is elegant and floral with fresh citrus and a touch of honey on the palate. The texture, balance and length are close to perfect.
Kumeu River Chardonnay is drawn from six different vineyard sites in the Kumeu Region. We are particularly careful in selecting only the very best grapes from these vineyards for our Kumeu River Estate label.
This is a wine where we always have a bottle in the fridge. The perfect aperitif Chardonnay this wine also goes very well with all types of seafood. Fermented 80% in old French oak barriques, and 20% in stainless steel tanks there is very little oak influence on either nose or palate. This has allowed the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral edginess with hints of fig and white peach.