Pyramid Valley Chardonnay North Canterbury 2021

The wines of Pyramid Valley are born in the dramatic soils and slopes of the Waikari Estate in North Canterbury and the Pyramid Valley Mānatu Estate in Central Otago. Established in 2000, by Mike and Claudia Elze Weersing, the estate created remarkable wines, recognised the world over, for close to 20 years.

In 2017 Steve Smith MW (perhaps best known for establishing Craggy Range) and his business partner and wildlife conservationist Brian Sheth took over the estate, and are building on the work done by the Weersings to fulfil the full potential of the site. In 2018 they purchased a second vineyard in Lowburn, Central Otago called Manata Estate, an established vineyard that has produced exceptional Pinot Noir since 2002.

Staying true to the estate’s founding principles, both sites are managed following the principals of biodynamic viticulture and the winemaking follows natural principles.

Fruit was hand-picked from old vine Mendoza and clone 5 Chardonnay in Waipara Springs and the Three Sisters Vineyard. Fermented with natural yeasts, then aged for 12 months in 20% new French oak. Settled on light lees in stainless steel for a further 4 months before bottling unfined and unfiltered.