Generation Series Cold Chalk Chardonnay

Mr. Riggs Generation Series Cold Chalk Chardonnay is sourced from the Tomich Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, whose climate is cooler than the winery's home base in McLaren Vale.

The wine is inspired by Old World Chardonnay, which was once described as "like drinking cold chalk soup". Winemaker Ben Riggs fell in love with the style in the 1980s.

The fruit is mostly French clone Chardonnay, which contributes pome fruit flavours and minerality, with just a touch of American clone for citrus and acidity. The grapes are picked early, just after the green, herbaceous characters have disappeared.

Whole bunch pressed juice is minimally settled. Wild yeast fermentation takes place in seasoned French oak barrels, then the wine matures on lees for six months.

Bright yellow, Mr. Riggs Generation Series Cold Chalk Chardonnay has a flinty, steely edge and a chalky mouthfeel without compromising its fruit purity. Cellaring potential is five years.