Berton Vineyard – Classic Chardonnay ‘Metal Label’, Riverina – 2022-23

PRODUCER NOTE:
Established by Bob and Cherie Berton in May 1996. The estate covers 30 hectares of land located on gently rolling hills at 450 metres above sea level, in a subregion of Eden Valley in South Australia. The superb Reserve Shiraz and Reserve Chardonnay wines are still sourced from this plot. In 2007, Bob purchased the Yenda winery in the heart of the Riverina. This state-of- the-art facility has the capacity to process 20,000 tonnes and enables Berton Vineyard to produce value for money wines which sit alongside their premium single vineyard offerings.

VINTAGE:
2022 – The 2022 season was a perfect contrast with the previous one. While summer 2019- 20 was the second hottest on record, 2022 was the coolest in 10 years, due to the influence of a La Niña climate pattern. The cool ripening period led to an elevated natural acidity and good flavour development. Some whites in the Riverina were picked slightly early due to rain forecast, resulting in lighter flavours and lower alcohol levels. In most vineyards, crop size was slightly bigger than 2022 across South Eastern Australia. We now have 2023 which is equally as good as the previous two years.

VINEYARD:
The majority of the fruit was grown by the Orton family in Padthaway, South Australia. The vineyard was planted in 2001 to 2002, with an east to west orientation, providing just the right amount of sun exposure on the vines. The soils are sandy loam over clay, formed on old lagoon sediments. These sandy soils lead to poor nutrient and water retention which helps to concentrate the flavours in the fruit. The vines are grown on single wire trellises, ensuring an open canopy. Drip irrigation is used in the vineyard to manage the water supply and reduce evaporation, as water is applied directly above the roots. A proportion came from a vineyard in Coonawarra, adding complexity to the blend.

WINEMAKING:
The fruit from each vineyard was vinified separately. The juice was inoculated and fermented in stainless steel at 14°C, for approximately 14 days on French oak. The wines were then matured on yeast lees for four weeks with a percentage in French oak hogshead barrels. Blending of the wines occurred before bottling, achieving a fresh and fruit driven style with light oak nuances.

TASTING NOTE:
A fresh Chardonnay pulling together thirst-quenching citrus flavours with delicate French oak. The bouquet is filled with lifted aromas of grapefruit and pineapple; while flavours of lemon, mandarin and honeydew melon immerse the palate. The wine finishes soft and creamy with zesty acidity and lingering hints of vanilla.

GRAPE:
Chardonnay 100%.

COUNTRY:
Australia

REGION:
New South Wales

SUB-REGION:
Riverina