2023 Blackenbrook Nelson Chardonnay

Its Origins

Quality wines start in the vineyard. It was with that clear vision that Daniel and Ursula Schwarzenbach moved to the top of the South Island in 1998 and searched for land for almost two years, before purchasing their 20ha block in Tasman on the scenic Coastal Highway. The gentle north-facing slope, the Moutere clay soils and the mild maritime climate were immediately appealing. In the winter of 2000 they grafted their own vines to plant the first 4ha of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir in the following winter. Over the years they added Riesling, Gewürztraminer and the Italian red variety Montepulciano into the mix. Born in Switzerland but living in New Zealand since age 9, Daniel began his career as a medical chemist and microbiologist in NZ and the UK, before deciding that winemaking was the path he wanted to go down. He is committed to sustainable/organic winemaking, with very few additions/adjustments made to the wines themselves.