Millton Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2020

Founded in 1984 by James and Annie Millton, Millton Vineyards and Winery is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s organic and biodynamic wine movement. Located near Manutuke in Gisborne, the estate lies on land where grapes have been grown since the late 1800s - making it one of the country’s oldest vineyard areas. Annie’s family connection to the Opou vineyard, established by her father in the 1960s, set the stage for the couple’s decision to return home after winemaking apprenticeships in France and Germany.

With a vision grounded in natural farming and heritage viticulture, the Milltons have created an estate that is both deeply rooted and globally admired. Their wines - ranging from Chenin Blanc and Viognier to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay - are known for their purity, energy, and remarkable sense of place. Millton remains independent, family-owned, and steadfast in its commitment to authenticity.

Grapes were hand-harvested on March 16th, 2020, from the organically farmed Te Arai Vineyard, situated approximately 5 kms from the sea in Gisborne The grapes were de-stemmed to facilitate gentle juice extraction during a prolonged, slow press cycle. After a brief settling, fermentation occurred in a combination of demi-muids (large 600-liter oak barrels) and stainless-steel tanks. The wine matured in these vessels over time, and without the obtrusion of oak tannins. Final clarity was achieved naturally, with no fining agents used, and the wine was bottled on July 22nd, 2021.