2020 Babich Wines Family Estates Single Vineyard Organic Chardonnay

Region: Marlborough, Wairau Valley
Vineyard: Headwaters (Certified Organic)
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Harvest: Machine-harvested and destemmed on 23rd March 2020
Harvest Analysis: 22.5 °Brix | pH 3.20 | TA 8.5 g/L

Winemaking:
The grapes were given 2–3 hours of skin contact before settling for 12 hours. Fermentation took place in 56% barrique and 44% stainless steel tanks, using wild yeast with temperatures peaking at 23°C. The wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation and matured for 8.5 months in oak, 25% of which was new French and Hungarian barrels. Pea protein was used for fining, and the wine was filtered prior to bottling.

Technical Analysis:
Alcohol: 13.5%
TA: 5.1 g/L
pH: 3.37
Residual Sugar: 1.4 g/L

Tasting Notes:
Lifted biscuity and mealy aromas with hints of lemon, vanilla, pear, and toast. The palate shows spicy peach with golden delicious apple, honeydew melon, and cinnamon. Subtle notes of toffee and lemon linger on the finish. Rich and oily in texture, with great volume—lively and complex.

Food Pairing:
Perfect with poultry or fish dishes.

Serving Temperature: 14–16°C
First Vintage: 2014

Sustainability:
Babich developed the first vineyard in New Zealand to achieve sustainable registration. With a commitment to protecting the environment and implementing sustainable practices in all vineyards, moving toward an organic approach was the next natural step in their viticulture journey.