Chardonnay
Overview
Chardonnay is one of the classic Burgundian varieties and produces some of the worlds finest white wines. It is also one of the mostly widely planted varieties in Australia though it is the cool climate Chardonnays that produce the crispest and most refreshing of the style. The Chardonnay at Cape Bernier benefits from the cool but frost free conditions of our site that produce one of Tasmania’s finest Chardonnays. It is also the key ingredient in some of our fine sparkling wines.
Our table Chardonnay is small batch and only made in the very best years.
Wine Making
We aim to express the natural features of our vineyard in the wine and this is most important with our Chardonnay. Winemaking involves wild and cultured yeast, allied with multi age French oak barrels from several suppliers and forests, together with extended cool temperature post-fermentation development. In most years our Chardonnay is also allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation which further softens some of the natural acidity. The wines are then bottle aged to allow the acidity to mellow before release.
Viticulture
Our table wine is made almost exclusively from our Penfolds clone Chardonnay grown in Block F and H. Here the soils are mostly a rich balsaltic silt with good drainage. Like most of our site they sit on an ideal NE facing slope and are mostly protected from the prevailing NW winds.
Awards and Recognition
Top Tasmanian Chardonnays from Huon Hooke The Real Review
2017 Chardonnay
- Festivale 2018 – Best chardonnay
- Halliday Wine Companion 93 points
- Huon Hooke 92 points
- Tas Wine Show Silver Medal
2016 Unwooded Chardonnay
- Halliday Wine Companion 94 points
2016 Chardonnay
- Wine Showcase 94 points
2012 Chardonnay
- Best Tasmanian Chardonnay – Winestate Magazine
- Huon Hooke 95 Points
- James Halliday 93 Points
- Gold Medal Tasmanian Wine Show