Ihumatao Chardonnay
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2027
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Pan-seared sea scallops, roasted chicken with herb butter, or creamy mushroom risotto.
✨ Technical Specifications
Crafted by the historic Villa Maria estate, founded by Sir George Fistonich in 1961, the Ihumatao Chardonnay is a brilliant expression of Auckland's unique volcanic heritage. Grown in a wind-sheltered, ancient volcanic crater basin on the edge of the Manukau Harbour, the vines thrive in fertile volcanic soils enriched with clay and tuff. This dramatic maritime microclimate yields 100% Chardonnay grapes with intense concentration and a distinct flinty minerality. To match the power of the fruit, the wine is traditionally barrel-fermented using indigenous yeasts in French oak barriques, followed by extensive lees stirring and partial malolactic fermentation. The result is a sophisticated, textured white wine that beautifully balances rich stone fruit and citrus notes with a creamy, toasted brioche complexity and a vibrant, mineral-driven finish.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria stands as one of New Zealand's most celebrated and pioneering wine producers. From its historic roots in Auckland, the winery has established extensive vineyard holdings across the premier winegrowing regions of Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, and Gisborne. Renowned for its steadfast dedication to sustainability and quality innovation, Villa Maria played an instrumental role in shaping modern New Zealand viticulture and championing regional expressiveness. The estate's diverse portfolio ranges from the globally recognized Private Bin series to site-specific single-vineyard and Reserve wines, excelling in vibrant Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, refined Pinot Noir, complex Chardonnay, and structured Hawke's Bay red blends.