Winemaker Notes
Brightwater Vineyards is the premium boutique vineyard and winery of Gary and Valley Neale. Established in the early nineties, the winery has developed an award-winning reputation for premium, hand-crafted wines. All their grapes are grown on estate vineyards, within “five minutes by tractor” of the modern winery. They utilize a minimal intervention approach allowing the true expression of the vineyards to show and make distinctive wines that display true fruit character, elegance and fine balance.
In 2012 Brightwater Vineyards was named as “New Zealand Winemaker of the Year” and also “Nelson Supreme Business of the Year.” Thei success comes down to the passion and committment of their wonderful team, led by Tony and Dale.
Rolling hills evolve from a scenic coastline to form an ideal setting for Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay rank in after New Zealand’s prized varietal as most widely planted in Nelson. The region is slightly cooler and has more precipitation on average compared to Marlborough.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.