Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay 2018

Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay

In Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay they have aimed to retain the wine's fresh structure. They therefore minimise the malolactic fermentation so that it is really the vineyard, fruit, wild-ferment and barrel characters that make up the complex nose and palate.

This wine comes from a small parcel in the Twin Valleys Vineyard, located in the Fareham Lane area of Marlborough. The vineyard is at the western end of the Wairau Valley, on the junction with the Waihopai Valley. The influence of the constant river flow has resulted in the silt being washed away and the soils remaining both rocky and devigourated.

Being some distance from the sea the climate is also cooler. The grapes therefore typically ripen more slowly and retain an interesting mineral character.

The vines are all from the favoured Clone 95 which we have found suits this area as the fruit comes in with good acid balance which we endeavour to retain. The vines were cropped low to ensure ripeness and palate richness.

Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay : Mahi which means “our work, our craft” was established in 2001 and represents the fulfilment of a dream for Brian Bicknell and his wife Nicola.

It was a long distance romance in the early years of their relationship that set the scene for Brian and Nic Bicknell. http://mahiwine.co.nz/vineyards/boundary-farm-vineyard/

Brian was studying viticulture in Australia and Nic was in Canada working in art and design before reuniting in New Zealand in 1986, a sure indication that for the two of them life in wine would never stand still.

After embarking on vintages in Hungary, France and finally Chile, they returned to New Zealand in 1996.

Five years on in 2001 the ideas and discussions that formed Mahi were put into practice with their first vintage, and in December 2006 the purchase of the Mahi winery in Renwick was complete.

Nic’s passion for design and eye for detail means she is continually involved in the evolution of the Mahi look and feel, whilst making sure their children Max and Maia are immersed in the Marlborough culture.

Brian’s hands-on experience with over 20 vintages worldwide ensures he is kept very busy, whether it be with Mahi or in a consultants role, with travel, both domestic and international, still playing a major part.

Conscious that Marlborough was in danger of losing its identity, Brian’s vision for Mahi was to highlight the individuality of particular vineyard sites rather than conforming to the regional stereotype

One of the many things that we love about wine is that it is such a true reflection of its place.

It is the way that is shows the differences between vineyards that was the inspiration for the start of Mahi.

To make wines in as natural a way as possible from great vineyards is a constant enjoyment, and then to see these wines through to the bottle, watch them slowly evolve, and to enjoy them at the table with friends is incredibly satisfying.

Mahi Twin Valleys Chardonnay - Hay Wines