EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY
Matawhero Irwin Chardonnay 2017 just released Matawhero is one of New Zealand’s older wineries. It was established in 1968 by Bill Irwin, a visionary who defied the conventional thinking of the time – describing him as colourful would be an understatement. His legacy is long remembered, particularly for his gewürztraminer. Gisborne as a region has continued its fascination with varieties that are not the mainstream (although, yes, they grow sauvignon blanc, and very well I must say). One of the reasons behind this is the access to new varietals and clones, as Gisborne is home to New Zealand’s pre-eminent nursery Riversun. The new generation heading up Matawhero has made good use of this knowledge and experience through its diverse range. Matawhero was purchased in 2008 by Richard and Kirsten Searle, today’s custodians of Matawhero. With a background in the wine industry, when the opportunity came up to re-establish Matawhero, the Searle family jumped at the opportunity. The story behind Matawhero has many layers (as do their wines). To produce great wines, you of course need access to exceptional fruit. Enter two of the most iconic growers in Gisborne – the Briant family and Paul Tietjen. The former, three generations of Briants farming land in Gisborne. For those with good memories, you’ll remember the exceptional single vineyard Briant chardonnays we’ve seen in the past under other labels. Paul Tietjen has been growing chardonnay since he planted it in Gisborne in 1983. Chardonnay off the Tietjen block is somewhat legendary, winning too many gold medals to keep count. The excellent fruit off these sites is then nurtured through the winery to produce the consistently good wines we’ve come to expect from Matawhero. The winemaking at Matawhero is under the guidance of Kim Crawford, a legend in the New Zealand wine industry and a chardonnay master for sure. No surprise then that Matawhero Gisborne chardonnay has quickly become a ‘go to’ Gisborne chardonnay – consistent in style and quality, year in, year out. On the red side, it is the Gisborne merlot that sees customers coming back for a second bottle. My favourite, however, is the Church House Chenin Blanc. I must confess, I am a big fan of chenin blanc. There are not too many produced in New Zealand anymore. For those with good memories, you may recall the days of Collards Chenin Blanc. Gisborne is home to the two best chenin blanc producers – James Millton of course, with his super range, and the Matawhero Church House Chenin Blanc.
Denis Irwin
Kirsten Searle, Denis Irwin & Richard Searle
June, though, is all about chardonnay from Matawhero as it signals the release of Matawhero’s Irwin Chardonnay from the 2017 vintage. Made only in exceptional vintages, this is a tribute to the late Bill Irwin and son Denis, the founders of Matawhero Wines. A barrelfermented chardonnay, this has quickly become an iconic New Zealand chardonnay. You’ll find Matawhero Irwin Chardonnay in stock at all Glengarry stores and by the glass at Dida’s Wine Lounge. PN (LIZ WHEADON) F
NEW RELEASE IRWIN CHARDONNAY M ATA W H E R O I R W I N C H A R D O N N AY 2 0 1 7 M ATA W H E R O C H U R C H H O U S E C H A R D O N N AY 2 0 1 7 M ATA W H E R O S I N G L E V I N E YA R D C H A R D O N N AY 2 0 1 8 FINE WINE DELIVERED SINCE 1945 | WWW.GLENGARRY.CO.NZ | P: 0800 733 505
66 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2019
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