The 2019 Chardonnay is subtly reminiscent of southern white Burgundy with its fresh crisp orchard fruit, melon and gentle nuances of oak, almond and hazelnut.

Service: Serve chilled at 11°C.

Food Pairing: Excellent with pork, poultry, seafood, shellfish, cheeseboards, pasta in white sauce and vegetarian dishes.

Trudy Sheild and Blair Gibbs are the driving forces behind Middle-Earth Wines, a Nelson, New Zealand winery with a strong connection to the Tolkien legacy. Trudy's upbringing on a Hawkes Bay sheep farm instilled in her a humble and grounded approach to winemaking. Her 13-year tenure at Waimea Estates was instrumental in her career, and since taking on the role of winemaker at Middle-Earth Wines in 2016, she has consistently delivered exceptional wines, exemplified by the Middle Earth 2017 Pinot Gris earning a gold medal at the International Wine Show in New Zealand. Blair Gibbs, a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in the wine industry, has been instrumental in building an international wine business and fostering strong industry relationships. Over the past three years, he has been closely involved with the Middle-Earth brand. Their shared philosophy centers around crafting wines that embody the region's unique character, capturing the nuances and distinctive qualities of the Nelson region with a strong emphasis on consistency. They understand that a winemaker's true mettle shines in challenging years. In the short to long term, their primary focus is on expanding the Middle-Earth brand, exploring new opportunities, and making quality-driven decisions from the vineyard. Trudy and Blair's partnership has been integral to the success of Middle-Earth Wines, a label celebrated for its exceptional quality and connection to Tolkien's legacy.

Middle-Earth Wines, nestled in the picturesque Nelson region of New Zealand, draws its name and inspiration from the iconic "Middle-earth" created by J.R.R. Tolkien. This family-owned and operated winery, led by the talented winemaker Trudy Sheild, has been on a remarkable journey since its establishment in 2016. With a humble and down-to-earth approach, Trudy, who honed her craft during 13 defining years at Waimea Estates, has lent her expertise to Middle-Earth Wines. Under her guidance, the winery has gained recognition for producing exceptional cool climate wines that truly reflect the essence of the region. Together with Business Partner Blair Gibbs, they are dedicated to crafting wines with personality, showcasing the nuances of the area, and ensuring consistency even in challenging vintages. As they look towards the future, their focus remains on growth, seeking new opportunities, and making quality-driven decisions right from the vineyard, all while carrying forward the legacy of this renowned winery inspired by Tolkien's Middle-earth.

2* Moving On Up

Middle Earth Wine, located in Nelson, New Zealand, represents a family of winegrowers dedicated to creating exceptional wines with a minimal intervention approach to viticulture. This is a family estate that strives to produce wines that showcase the unique characteristics of their region, benefiting from high sunshine hours, clean air, and water, respecting and preserving the land they cherish. The estate has New Zealand's "Sustainable Agriculture" certification and they have some organic and biodynamic farming practices, but not 100% and with no accreditation. In addition, no animal products are used for fining, making these wines vegan-friendly. They have chosen to source 100% low-carbon electricity from the national grid, reinforcing their commitment to a sustainable future. In the years to come, they envision continuing their commitment to producing great wines and, with the potential involvement of their children, growing and evolving the business while staying true to their values.

White | Still | 75cl | 13.5% ABV | Contains Sulphites

Cellaring: Ready to drink now.

• Vegan - Practising (Uncertified)