Giaconda Nantua Chardonnay 2022

Giaconda vineyard, established by Rick Kinzbrunner, a mechanical engineer with a passion for wine, is located in the picturesque Beechworth wine region at the foothills of the North-East Victorian Alps. The estate is dedicated to producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, with a separate planting of Nebbiolo. The vineyard, managed sustainably with a strong environmental focus, is fully certified organic since 2018. The unique climate, influenced by the surrounding alpine valleys and an altitude of over 400 meters, contributes to the distinct characteristics of the wines. The vineyard benefits from a relatively cool south-facing slope for Chardonnay and a warm north-facing exposure for Shiraz, each carefully selected to optimize flavour complexity. The 450-million-year-old granitic loam soil, combined with the climate conditions, results in lower yields that are naturally regulated, contributing to the high quality of the wine. The estate's wine-making process is natural and subtle, focusing on balance and allowing the terroir and vintage characteristics to shine through. Indigenous yeasts, natural bacteria, French oak barrel aging, minimal sulfur additions, and no filtration before bottling are key elements of their hand-crafted approach. Giaconda's dedication to quality is evident in their meticulous wine-making process, which includes gravity flow operations, hand-picked fruit and extended skin contact for red wines. The wines are aged in French oak for almost two years in a granite maturation cave, ensuring optimal conditions for fermentation and aging. The commitment to preserving the natural characteristics of the grapes and the unique terroir is a testament to Giaconda's pursuit of producing exceptional wines through sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.

The Giaconda Nantua Chardonnay 2022 presents a captivating visual display of golden yellow tinged with flashes of green. The bouquet is intensely focused, offering aromas of meal, lemon zest, yellow stone fruit, a hint of grapefruit and subtle notes of vanilla complemented by grilled hazelnuts and a delicate overlay of matchstick. On the palate, this Chardonnay reveals a rich, long and lively character with a well-balanced interplay of spicy oak and acidity, delivering a delightful zip. The wine exhibits a devilishly delicious and complex profile, establishing itself as one of the most impressive Nantua releases to date. With its impressive structure and complexity, this Chardonnay is poised to evolve gracefully over the next 3-5+ years if cellared, allowing for further development and maturation. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes from the Beechworth GI, this wine embodies the exceptional quality and distinctive characteristics of the region.

Aromas of reductive smoked charcuterie and chicken stock, complex and rich, while the palate is rich yet elegant, with lovely softness and supple, fleshy texture, already complex and fascinating. Rich fruit sweetness in the centre. This will surely just keep building with a little more time. - Huon Hooke
The Real Review

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Beechworth, Victoria
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%