Matawhero Church House Chenin Blanc 2022

Established in 1968 by Bill Irwin, Matawhero gained prominence for introducing innovative viticultural practices and unconventional grape varieties to New Zealand. His son, Denis Irwin, continued this legacy, imparting his own colourful style and winning fame for his Gewurztraminer and Chardonnays. He passed on the baton to Richard and Kirsten Searle, who acquired the winery in 2008, They are the trusted Kaitiaki (guardians) of Matawhero and continue to develop the iconic winery and share the distinctive wine styles of the Tairawhiti-Gisborne region.

They continue to produce an ‘Irwin Chardonnay’ honouring the founders, with a limited release, barrel fermented Chardonnay,. They also produce ‘Single Vineyard’ series which showcases the unique characteristics of specific vineyard blocks, and a ‘Church House’ series, which pays homage to the original winery established in a former church.

Hand-picked in the cool of morning from a single vineyard in Patutahi, just across the river from Matawhero. Crushed and gently pressed, with the juice cold-settled for clarity. Fermented with selected yeasts at controlled temperatures. Fined and filtered before bottling to ensure freshness and stability.