The Millton Vineyard has gained world renown for this unique and classic grape variety. Their Te Arai Chenin Blanc is consistently recognised by international writers as one the best examples in the world, outside of the Loire. It is most certainly the benchmark Chenin Blanc for New Zealand.
Winery notes (2024 Vintage)
"Over the years our determination to produce one of the world’s best wines from this variety is a seasonal challenge and a bottled fantasy. In 2024 we did four selections from the vineyard of hand-harvested the grapes. On the crush pad, the stems are discarded as these grapes give up their juice very easily during the long slow press cycle. The juice is collected together and allowed to settle for only a short time as we wish to keep the fine sediments, for it is here that all the nutrients lie which satisfy a well-behaved fermentation. The fermentation and maturation take place in demi-muids (large 600-litre oak barrels) and stainless steel tanks. The wine matures in these vessels over time, and without the obtrusion of oak tannins, which would otherwise disrespect the subtle fruit aromas."