Greywacke Marlborough Chardonnay

- Serve chilled between 10-12°C in elegant stemmed glasses to highlight its fresh and creamy textures.

- Present in a wine decanter or large balloon glass to soften the flavours and release subtle aromatics.

- Pair with grilled or roasted shellfish such as scallops or lobster with a butter-herb sauce to match its richness.

- Complement creamy dishes like truffled mushroom risotto or a chicken in white wine and cream sauce.

- Garnish with a thin lemon twist or a sprig of fresh tarragon to add a subtle herbal aroma.

- Create a white wine cocktail by mixing with a splash of elderflower cordial and soda water garnished with a cucumber ribbon for a refreshing aperitif.

- Serve alongside a cheese board featuring aged gouda brie and lightly salted almonds for a sophisticated snack.

- Enjoy during a summer garden party or celebratory brunch with dishes like avocado toast topped with smoked salmon and dill.

- Alternate use: incorporate into a shallow poaching liquid with herbs and citrus for delicate fish imparting subtle wine notes.

For storing white wine such as Chardonnay maintain a stable temperature between 45°F and 55°F (7°C to 13°C) with around 53°F being optimal for dry whites like Chardonnay to preserve delicate aromas and flavors. Avoid temperature fluctuations as they can cause cork expansion contraction and spoilage.

Keep the wine away from light especially direct sunlight or strong artificial light which can degrade quality. Store in a dark or dimly lit environment.

The bottle should be stored horizontally if it has a natural cork seal. Storing the bottle on its side keeps the cork moist preventing it from drying out and allowing air to enter which can prematurely age the wine. For screw caps or synthetic corks position is less critical but still often kept horizontal for convenience.

Maintain a relative humidity of around 60-70% to prevent cork drying or mold development on the cork surface. Too dry air can shrink corks; too humid may encourage mold.

For an unopened bottle these conditions maximize preservation and slow aging.

For an opened bottle reseal promptly using the original cork if still intact or a wine stopper and store the bottle upright in the refrigerator at about 41-50°F (5-10°C) to slow oxidation. Consume within a few days for best quality as white wines degrade faster once opened.

Do not store white wine in a standard refrigerator long-term to avoid cork drying; use a wine fridge or a cool consistent environment instead.