Millton Te Arai, Chenin Blanc

Te Arai translates to ‘the place where you pause before going on to the land of eternal sunshine’. In 1984 James and Annie Millton established The Millton Vineyard on the banks of the Te Arai River near Manutuke, where the early settlers first planted grapevines in 1871. They are champions for Biodynamics and one of the first to converted vineyards to this form of orgainc farming in New Zealand.

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.. The result is just off-dry on the palate, the succulent, rich flavours are reminiscent of cumquat, peach, honeycomb, and mandarin, with subtle herbal and spice notes coming through on the finish.