Chardonnay Rosenberg 2021 (Krauthaker)

Cellar for up to 4 years. Decanting time: Enjoy upon opening. This delightfully dry Chardonnay encapsulates a lot of freshness and full, round fruitiness with a bit of an attitude. The wine is lighter in colour than the average glass from this varietal, with a crisp straw-yellow colour enhanced by soft, green hues. Soft and unsuspecting on the nose, the bouquet hints at the white stone fruits local to this part of Croatia along with vanilla, lemon zest and pink grapefruit carried by undertones of oak and smoke. Lively mouthfeel, good acidity and some creamy round sweetness, and the minerality is restrained yet appealing. A strong finish with lingering woody and smoky notes. Grown in Kutjevo, on the southern slopes of Krndija, the Kruathaker Chardonnay vineyards range in altitude between 240 and 300 metres. The wine is aged mostly in used wood barriques in order to achieve a nuanced approach and then the fresh fruitiness is captured with the final stage in stainless steel containers. This selection is very enjoyable to sip on its own or with any range of light fare, including oven baked fish, salmon steak or pasta. A refreshing, unfiltered Croatian Chardonnay from Krauthaker that is immensely popular in restaurants, because of its versatile pairings and overall accessibility. Serve in a larger glass at 13 to 14 degrees Celcius.The liveliness of this Kruathaker Chardonnay is meant to be enjoyed and not stored too long. Drink within the first five years. This is a lovely choice, especially for the price.