Kumeu River's Rays Road Chardonnay is an exquisite white wine that showcases the distinct characteristics of the Kumeu region in New Zealand. This wine is beautifully crafted using traditional winemaking techniques, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. On the palate, notes of citrus and stone fruit are pronounced, complemented by hints of vanilla and a subtle nuttiness. The long and elegant finish leaves a refreshing aftertaste, making it the perfect wine to serve with grilled seafood, creamy pasta dishes, or soft cheeses. Its unique balance of acidity and fruitiness makes it a standout among other New Zealand Chardonnays, and a must-try for any wine connoisseur.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 vintage was exceptional and produced sensational Chardonnay across all our vineyards. The limestone-based vineyard at Rays Road in Hawkes Bay has yielded some uniquely characterful Chardonnay from this vintage. It has the aroma of citrus peel, flinty minerals and salty seashells. There are creamy, peach-like flavours on the mid-palate, but then it finishes firmly with zesty fresh acidity and a steel backbone

About the Winery

The history of the Kumeu River started in 1937 when the first generation members of the Brajkovich family moved to New Zealand. Initially, Katé and Mick Brajkovich farmed small pieces of land in Živogošće village in Croatia. From there, they gained the experience of tending to the grapevines and producing their wines. By 1944, the family saved a considerable amount of money and purchased a plot of land with a vineyard in Kumeu. Since then, the story of the Kumeu River winery and the Brajkovich family have remained parallel to each other.

In 1949, when Mick passed away, the winery that his wife and son managed still went by the name of Sam Marino Vineyards. In 1983 that Maté’s son, Michael, developed a new category of wines. It was under the Kumeu River label. They were Chardonnay wines made using the traditional Burgundian style.

During the 1980s, Michael, with his siblings, Paul and Milan, gradually became more invested and involved in the Kumeu River’s business and operations. They started taking on a new approach to developing the reputation and quality of the winery.

In recent times, Kumeu River owns 30 hectares of land as their vineyards. The soil of the property is primarily clay-type with a sandstone base. It helps retain a sufficient amount of water that helps to hydrate the deep roots of the vines. Thus, the vineyards do not require any external irrigation. It is a factor that enhances the quality of the grapes grown on such lands.

The vineyards have a unique construction style that helps to optimise the amount of sunlight exposure. It allows the grapes to mature and acquire a desirable quality. Kumeu River harvests all the fruits by hand. It helps them remove the spoiled and sub-standard grapes and use only the high-quality ones.

https://kumeuriver.co.nz

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