Wine: Foxes Island: Chardonnay

Marlborough

Situated in the north eastern edge of the South Island, Marlborough includes the inland Kaikoura Ranges, which reach an elevation of near 3000 meters. Marlborough is the largest production area in New Zealand representing over 50 % of the national harvest. When the first modern day vine was planted in 1973, few people thought the region would become what it is today. On an international scale, Marlborough is the most famous and widely recognized wine-producing region in New Zealand.

It is a viticultural heaven with silty, gravel strewn alluvial loams of the Wairau and Awatere Valleys. The soils are free draining and with the abundant sunshine during the day, cool nights and long growing season, the region produces particularly vibrant fruity flavors in Sauvignon Blanc. The region also has an impeccable reputation for producing some of the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, plus top quality sparkling wine.

Climatically, Marlborough is one of the driest and sunniest regions of New Zealand. The average daily maximum temperature is near 80o F but the cool nights keep high levels of acidity in the grapes typically in harmony with sugar levels.

Climate and soil, foresight and daring, investment and innovation, land prices and luck – all have contributed to the emergence of Marlborough as one of the world’s most distinctive and exciting new wine regions. (credit Michael Cooper)

Foxes Island

Prior to the taming of the Wairau and Opawa Rivers, Foxes Island afforded a small, dry haven in times of flood for travellers and herdsman. A chance encounter for John
Belsham in 1977 in the Medoc region of France led to five intensive years of training
as a winemaker at a small family owned Chateau. Returning home, John’s dream of
developing his own wines of significance and renown has now been realized and are
named after the site at which they are made: Foxes Island.

In 1988, John and his wife Anne Graham planted their own 4.5 hectares vineyard in Giffords Rd, Rapaura in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley on which they grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes for Foxes Island. This “Home Block Vineyard” has sandy silt loam soils based on well-drained gravelly subsoils.

To secure the future development of the brand, a spectacular 20 hectare site was purchased in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough where plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc were completed in 2003. Soils on the Old Ford Rd Vineyard in Awatere Valley are 20,000 years old and originate from an alluvial terrace that was formed during the last glacial period. The resulting silty loams sitting over river-run and volcanic gravels are an ideal soil profile for premium cool-climate varietals.

John’s winemaking philosophy can be described as holistic. His wines are crafted following distinct vineyard and winery principles coupled with a clear vision of style and market perception. John is a perfectionist and his wines reflect the passion with which he practices his artistry.

An active wine judge and consultant for various companies, including Air New Zealand, John is currently the Chairman of the New Zealand Screwcap initiative.

A full-bodied, complex and creamy Chardonnay produced exclusively from fruit grown on the two estate vineyards.  The hand picked bunches are chilled, pressed and the resultant juice lightly settled before fermentation in tight grained French oak using indigenous yeasts and regular battonage.  Following 11 months of maturation the wine from selected barrels is gravity racked to a blending vessel, gently fined and bottled.  A supple and fragrant Chardonnay which is ready to enjoy in its youth with fine food, or to be cellared with confidence over three to four years.

• All