Description

The hogshead chardonnay is piggs peake’s bigger, richer, oakier style of chardonnay. In a warm summer I often see chardonnay grapes change from green to gold and with the colour change comes a different spectrum of flavours in the grape itself. Grapefruit gets replaced by ripe yellow peach and these bigger, more generous characters are able to balance and support new oak. So, we pick the grapes riper and finish the fermentation in new French oak hogsheads (and probably a few puncheons too). Hogsheads are 300L barrels and puncheons are 500L barrels for those who are wondering. A typical maturation timeframe for us is about 7 months and that time in oak develops flavours, aromas and textures as well as allowing the lees(dead yeast) to impart some texture too. A classic hogshead style has hints of pineapple, peach, vanilla and grilled cashews. If the cellaring climate is well controlled this is a wine that will reward 10 or more years in the bottle. Try it with white meats with richer sauces or a flavoursome fish such as salmon.

Wine Details

• Vintage 2023
• Type White Wine