Riesling is the undisputed king when it comes to white wine in terms of character and quality in North Canterbury, and Sauvignon Blanc is the most-planted white grape in the region. But is has long been argued that Chardonnay deserves to be in the mix. Chardonnay sits fourth in plantings in North Canterbury with Sauvignon Blanc at around 355 ha, Riesling at 260 ha and Pinot Gris at just over 180 ha, with Chardonnay a step back at 70 ha, but it is the impression of very high quality that can be achieved with it that brings it up to the leaders. Pegasus Bay, Greystone and Black Estate are among the outstanding examples for me. Catherine Keith of Mount Brown is aware of these facts, and she has added Chardonnay to her vineyard mix with some of the most promising clones from Riversun nursery: 2,170 clone 1066 vines, making 58%, 1,085 clone 548 (the Corton-Charlemagne clone) comprising 29%, and 465 clone 809 vines making 13.0%. The 2017 Chardonnay is the first harvest from these vines, making just 93 dozen. Here is my review of the wine. www.mountbrown.co.nz
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