Wine: Main Divide: Chardonnay

South Island

Main Divide

Main Divide is another label of the Donaldson family of Pegasus Bay. Main Divide, the range of mighty Alps which form the backbone of New Zealand’s picturesque South Island, are a symbol of its unique freshness, purity and vigor. In keeping with this ideal, the grapes are sourced only from selected top vineyards and growers in many of the South Island’s viticultural areas. It is produced by the same winemaking team that makes the world-class wines of Pegasus Bay. Their aim is to produce harmonious, well-integrated wines, which reflect the uniqueness and diversity of the vineyards. Emphasis is on lively fruit flavors, complexity and drinkability. Natural methods and minimal intervention from vine to bottle typify their approach. Main Divide’s philosophy encompases sustainable viticultural management, organic techniques, low crop levels, minimal handling of fruit during processing and gentle pressing. Wines go through natural malolactic fermentation and clarify by settling. The value for money ratio of these wines is perhaps the best in New Zealand.

After harvest, the grapes are gently pressed without prior crushing. The unclarified juice was fermented in oak barriques and underwent natural malolactic fermentation. It is kept in barriques on its yeast lees to help develop extra flavor and nuances and give it a creamy mid-palate. During this time, it has regular
battonage or stirring of the lees, to maintain freshness.

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