Discover the Story Behind Heartwood Chardonnay

September 02, 2024

Heartwood Chardonnay is more than just a wine; it's the embodiment of a journey—a journey that starts in the oak forests of France and ends in the rich vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Every bottle of Heartwood tells a tale of passion, dedication, and the seamless connection between heart and wood.

The Birth of Heartwood Chardonnay

Heartwood Chardonnay was born from a journey through the oak barrel manufacturing process in France with Taransaud. From forest to factory, I was moved by the immense time, energy, and passion poured into crafting each high-quality barrel. This profound experience inspired the concept of 'heart & wood,' which lies at the core of our Hawke’s Bay barrel-aged Chardonnay—where every step of the process is infused with the same devotion and craftsmanship (or Heart).

Two Terroirs, One Exceptional Wine

Heartwood tells the story of two unique terroirs. The first is the terroir of the forest where our oak trees are grown—trees that are 150 years old when harvested from the _______ region, just south of Paris. After being carefully selected, the wood undergoes a rigorous seasoning process that lasts between 3 to 5 years. Each barrel is then handcrafted and shipped halfway across the world to New Zealand.

The second terroir lies in the vineyards of Hawke's Bay, where the grapes for Heartwood are grown. This Chardonnay is a blend of two esteemed local vineyards, Two Terraces and Kokako Farms. These vineyards are rooted in free-draining limestone soils overlying alluvial grey and red metal sub-soils, which impart an incredible intensity and complexity to the fruit, resulting in a Chardonnay with a distinctive and rich profile.

 

 

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