{"product_id":"kumeu-river-kumeu-village-chardonnay","title":"Kumeu River Village Chardonnay, Kumeu, New Zealand","description":"\u003cp\u003eKumeu River Village Chardonnay combines the freshness of stainless steel fermentation with the subtle richness of older French oak. The 2025 vintage brings together 42% Kumeu fruit and 58% Hawke’s Bay fruit, including a 32% contribution from the family’s limestone-influenced Rays Road vineyard. Bright citrus, restrained oak and a flinty texture make this an inviting introduction to the Brajkovich family’s Chardonnay style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Variety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chardonnay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13.3%.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYeast:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indigenous yeasts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFermentation Vessels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 38% fermented in French oak barriques and 62% in stainless steel tanks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBarrel Age:\u003c\/strong\u003e Five years old or older, providing texture with minimal overt oak influence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMalolactic Fermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100%.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Method:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-harvested, with fruit selection during picking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Contribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rays Road supplies 32% of the final blend.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwners:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Brajkovich family.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michael Brajkovich MW.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Director:\u003c\/strong\u003e Milan Brajkovich.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCellar Master:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nigel Tibbits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLime and lemon aromas lead into white peach and subtle fig. The palate combines vibrant citrus fruit with gentle richness, retaining a flinty, mineral character throughout. Oak remains discreet, allowing the fruit and texture to take the lead, while crisp acidity carries the wine into a refreshing finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Brajkovich family established its winegrowing business in 1944, when Mick, Katé and their son Maté purchased a small vineyard property in Kumeu after emigrating from Croatia. Originally known as San Marino Vineyards, it became Kumeu River in 1986 as the next generation sharpened its focus on Chardonnay. Michael Brajkovich, New Zealand’s first Master of Wine, leads winemaking alongside a family team whose approach combines careful vineyard work, indigenous fermentation and restrained oak to produce balanced, food-friendly wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at approximately 9–11°C in a medium-sized white wine glass. Enjoy as an aperitif or alongside grilled fish, prawns, scallops and other seafood. Roast chicken, vegetable risotto and lightly creamy pasta also complement its combination of freshness and texture. Ready to enjoy on release, it is particularly appealing for its youthful citrus character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buena Vida Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"2025 \/ 750mL","offer_id":67588206166071,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/Kumeu_River_Village_Chardonnay_Kumeu_New_Zealand_2025.png?v=1792291687","url":"https:\/\/www.winedispensary.com\/products\/kumeu-river-kumeu-village-chardonnay","provider":"Wine Dispensary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}