2019 Nazaaray, Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

Nazaaray is a winery founded by Mr Paramdeep Ghumman on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. He is of Indian background and works alongside his doctor wife, Nirmal.  We understand that he first tried wine on an airplane at 30 when travelling to Australia, and immediately fell in love with it. While he and his wife were living in Melbourne, his mind was in the Mornington Peninsula, on a piece of land which he finally ended up purchasing.  He planted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. He employs conventional winemaking methods but with traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques such as natural viticulture, no irrigation and hand-harvesting which results in production of small batches of handmade wines. Oh, and lots of passion thrown in for good measure. Why do we like it? Because it has a refreshing high acidity, medium body, a moderate alcohol level but with ripe aromas. Also, notes of yellow apple and pear combined with a touch of tropical fruit. The wines are aged in oak with controlled use of new oak. Malolactic fermentation of Chardonnay grapes enhances the richness and texture of this wine. This wine is a fantastic match with panko crusted halibut and cilantro sauce. We suggest serving this wine slightly chilled at about 12 degrees.   Grape           Chardonnay  Country        Australia                                Region          Mornington Peninsula                             Vintage         2019