Wines Hawke's Bay Bilancia Kaikora - Chardonnay - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Bilancia Kaikora Chardonnay 2022 from Hawke's Bay is a fine expression of New Zealand’s renowned white varietals. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this cuvée’s 2022 vintage is indicative of a relatively cool yet balanced growing season, lending freshness and precision to the wine. The fruit likely comes from carefully selected plots across the stony, alluvial soils typical of Hawke's Bay, which encourage well-defined acidity and minerality in the final wine. Winemaking techniques for modern New Zealand Chardonnay often involve barrel fermentation and ageing on lees, adding texture and subtle toasty notes to the vibrant citrus and stone fruit character.

Hawke’s Bay, located on the eastern side of New Zealand’s North Island, is the country’s second-largest wine region and is widely respected for its diverse microclimates and soils, ranging from gravelly riverbeds to clay-rich hillsides. This region benefits from a warm and temperate maritime climate, with long sunshine hours moderated by ocean breezes, producing expressive wines with both ripeness and poise. Hawke’s Bay has a storied viticultural history dating back to the mid-19th century, and it is especially celebrated for its Chardonnays and Bordeaux-style reds.

With its bright acidity, subtle oak influence, and core of ripe stone fruit, Bilancia Kaikora Chardonnay is a versatile partner at the table. It will pair beautifully with butter-roasted chicken, grilled lobster with lemon, or even a creamy mushroom risotto. For a regional match, try it with green-lipped mussels or simply prepared New Zealand snapper. The wine’s freshness also makes it a good foil for richer vegetarian dishes featuring pumpkin or butternut squash.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chardonnay lightly chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. This temperature preserves its crispness while allowing the nuanced aromas to unfold. Consider decanting for thirty minutes if you wish to enjoy its subtle complexities, and use medium-sized white wine glasses to highlight both bouquet and palate.