At sight it presents itself with an attractive straw yellow color with golden reflections, clean and bright, which anticipates freshness and a certain complexity.
MILLTON Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2021
Tasting notes
On the nose it displays a delicate and expressive aromatic range: notes of green apple, fresh pear and quince, accompanied by citrus touches such as lime and lemon peel. Subtle floral notes (white flowers) and a mineral nuance reminiscent of wet stone also appear, providing elegance and depth.
In the mouth it is vibrant and fresh, with a lively acidity that provides tension and lengthens the palate. Its texture is silky, with a slight volume that balances the liveliness of the wine. In the aftertaste, fruity and mineral notes reappear, leaving a persistent, clean and very pleasant sensation.
Food pairing
Description
The Millton Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2021 comes from the Te Arai vineyard, located in the Gisborne region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. Established in 1984 by James and Annie Millton, this estate was a pioneer in ecological and biodynamic practices in the country: it achieved Bio‑Gro organic certification in 1986 and Demeter certification in 2009.
The vineyard is located about 5 km from the sea, on soils rich in alluvial silt and subjected to the autumn mist generated by the Te Arai stream. This humid microclimate favors a slight incidence of botrytis and prolonged ripening, ideal for enhancing the complexity of Chenin Blanc.
The 2021 harvest was carried out by hand with multiple passes (up to four passes per vine) to ensure maximum precision in selection. After the harvest, the stems were discarded before slow and gentle pressing, with the aim of preserving the delicate sediments and nutrients that intensify the natural fermentation .
Fermentation and aging took place in demi‑muids (600 L oak barrels) and stainless steel tanks, maintaining a clean profile without aggressive oak influence. The wine achieved its final clarity completely naturally, without filtration or clarification implemented at the winery.
Since its launch, this Chenin Blanc has been recognized as a benchmark for the varietal outside the Loire Valley, standing out for its aging potential thanks to its delicate management and the purity of the terroir. The 2021 vintage, specifically, incorporates careful practices that reflect Millton's commitment to environmentally respectful viticulture and a faithful expression of the site.
Fish
Seafood
White meats
Cheese
Salads
Mushroom and chicken risotto
Vegetables