COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2024
GRAPE
Chardonnay
PRODUCER
Kumeu River
REGION
Auckland
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Mat's Vineyard is the crown jewel of Kumeu River, first planted in 1990 by Mat'e Brajkovich and replanted in 1993. Located in Auckland, New Zealand, this historic estate is run by the Brajkovich family, with Michael Brajkovich MW at the winemaking helm. The vineyard produces a Chardonnay of legendary status, frequently triumphing over top-tier Burgundy in blind tastings. The 2024 vintage represents a highly concentrated, low-yielding year where Auckland production was down by 30%, resulting in exceptional fruit purity and structural intensity.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€75
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Planted in 1990, this vineyard was established by Mat'e Brajkovich, the family patriarch and former president of the Wine Institute of New Zealand.
Fact 02
Winemaker Michael Brajkovich was the very first member of the New Zealand wine industry to achieve the prestigious Master of Wine qualification.
Fact 03
The 2024 vintage saw yields drop by 30% in Auckland, making this highly sought-after Chardonnay even scarcer than usual.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The grapes are hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed. Fermentation takes place entirely in French oak barriques (typically around 30% new) using wild yeasts. The wine undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation to balance its naturally high acidity, followed by aging on its fine lees for 11 months to build texture, complexity, and integration before bottling.
