Wines Marlborough Cloudy Bay - Chardonnay - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2023 from Marlborough is a prime expression of New Zealand’s take on this famed Burgundian grape. The wine is typically made from carefully selected Chardonnay grapes grown on the stony, ancient riverbed soils characteristic of the region. 2023’s growing season in Marlborough offered a balanced climate, allowing for a steady ripening and delivering both freshness and concentration in the fruit. The Chardonnay is usually fermented partly in stainless steel to retain vibrancy, and partly in French oak barrels, contributing texture, subtle spice and a gentle creaminess. The result is an elegant, aromatic white with notes of citrus, ripe stone fruit, white florals and a signature mineral finish.

Marlborough itself is New Zealand’s most celebrated wine region, renowned especially for its Sauvignon Blanc and, increasingly, for world-class Chardonnays. The region enjoys a cool maritime climate with significant sunshine hours, offset by cold nights that preserve natural acidity in the grapes. The soils vary but are predominantly layered with free-draining gravel and clay, providing structure and complexity to the wines. Since the 1970s, Marlborough has led the renaissance of New Zealand wine, not only through international acclaim but through an innovative, quality-driven ethos.

This Cloudy Bay Chardonnay lends itself beautifully to a variety of food pairings. Its freshness and subtle oak work well with grilled white fish in a lemon beurre blanc, roasted chicken with herbs, or a creamy risotto with asparagus and parmesan. For a nod to the local cuisine, try it alongside New Zealand green-lipped mussels or a salad of fresh crayfish. Its elegance can also complement roast pork with apples or lighter vegetarian dishes featuring root vegetables.

For the most rewarding tasting experience, serve this Cloudy Bay Chardonnay chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10-12°C. This allows the delicate floral and citrus aromas, as well as the nuanced oak and mineral notes, to fully unfold in the glass. It is suitable for enjoyment now, but it also has the structure to develop further complexity with a couple of years' cellaring.