Cloudy Bay Chardonnay – Marlborough

About the product

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023 showcases the more classic and gastronomic side of Cloudy Bay. While the winery is world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay has long been a key part of the range and is crafted with inspiration from the classic Burgundian Chardonnay style – yet with Marlborough’s own fresh and fruit-forward character.

The grapes are sourced from various vineyards in the Wairau Valley and Southern Valleys. This combination is crucial: the stony soils of the Wairau Valley contribute ripeness and fruit, while the denser clay soils of the Southern Valleys add structure and elegance.

Following a gentle pressing, the juice was transferred to French barriques, 20% of which were new, as well as larger 6,000-liter oak vats. After fermentation, the wine matured in these barrels for 11 months before the final blending. The entire batch underwent malolactic fermentation, which contributes to the rounded texture and complexity.

The result is a dry Chardonnay where the oak supports rather than dominates the fruit. The 2023 vintage has 13.5% alcohol and combines ripe fruit, structure, and creamy fullness with a marked mineral freshness.

About Marlborough

Marlborough is located on the northeastern part of New Zealand's South Island and is the country’s most internationally renowned wine region. Sauvignon Blanc has made the area world-famous, but Marlborough’s diverse soil types and cool maritime climate also provide excellent conditions for Chardonnay.

Cloudy Bay combines Chardonnay from the stony soils of the Wairau Valley with fruit from the more clay-rich soils of the Southern Valleys. These different terroirs complement each other and help create the balance between ripe stone fruit, citrus, structure, and freshness that characterizes Cloudy Bay’s Chardonnay.

The long, sunny days help the grapes achieve ripeness, while the cooler nights help preserve acidity and aromatic freshness. This results in a Chardonnay with both concentration and precision.

About Cloudy Bay

Cloudy Bay was founded in Marlborough in 1985 and became one of the producers that truly put New Zealand on the international wine map. The winery is especially associated with its iconic Sauvignon Blanc, but Chardonnay was among the early wines in Cloudy Bay's portfolio.

The style is inspired by classic European winemaking techniques, but with a clear focus on Marlborough’s terroir. In their Chardonnay, Cloudy Bay seeks a balance between fruit, minerality, texture, and a well-integrated oak influence, rather than a heavy and dominant oak style.

Tasting

Nose: Open and inviting with white nectarine, pear, and citrus combined with a discreet, lightly spiced, and elegant hint of oak.

Palate: Concentrated and precise with fresh citrus, perfectly ripe apricot, and greengage. The texture is full and elegant, while a distinct mineral freshness provides energy and balance to the ripe fruit and fine oak notes.

Finish: Long, fresh, and mineral with citrus, stone fruit, and subtle toasted nuances from the oak. A persistent and mouth-watering finish.

Serving and storage

Serve 2023 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay at approximately 10-12°C. Using a large Chardonnay or Burgundy glass is recommended, so that the fruit, minerality, and more complex oak notes have the opportunity to unfold.

The wine can be enjoyed now, but Cloudy Bay indicates a cellaring potential of approximately 5-10 years. With further bottle aging, the fresh fruit will gradually develop more complex and mature nuances.

What does it pair with?

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023 is crafted as a gastronomic wine and pairs particularly well with:

• Lobster, scallops, and other shellfish
• Grilled or roasted fish
• Chicken and other light poultry
• Creamy pasta and sauce-based dishes
• Soft cheeses and grilled or smoked dishes

FAQ

Which grape is Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023 made from?
The wine is made from Chardonnay sourced from selected vineyards in the Wairau Valley and Southern Valleys in Marlborough.

How does Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023 taste?
The wine features notes of white nectarine, pear, citrus, and apricot combined with minerality and a discreet oak influence. It is concentrated and full-bodied, yet fresh and elegant.

Is Cloudy Bay Chardonnay barrel-aged?
Yes. The wine is fermented and matured in French oak. 20% of the barriques are new, and larger 6,000-liter oak vats are also used. The wine matures for 11 months before blending.

Is Cloudy Bay Chardonnay dry?
Yes. It is a dry Chardonnay where the ripe fruit is balanced by fresh acidity, minerality, and an elegant oak influence.

Where does Cloudy Bay Chardonnay come from?
The wine comes from Marlborough on New Zealand's South Island. The grapes are grown in both the Wairau Valley and the Southern Valleys.

What does Cloudy Bay Chardonnay pair with?
It pairs particularly well with fish and shellfish, chicken, creamy sauces, grilled dishes, and soft cheeses.

What temperature should Cloudy Bay Chardonnay be served at?
Cloudy Bay recommends a serving temperature of 10-12°C.

Can Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023 be stored?
Yes. The wine is ready to drink now, but the producer indicates a cellaring potential of approximately 5-10 years under proper storage conditions.