Winemaking Dicey Chardonnay 2022 is grown in the Bannockburn subregion of Central Otago, where schist soils and cool nights shape a wine of clarity and drive. The fruit was hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeasts in French oak barriques (20% new). Aged on lees for 10 months with minimal stirring, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, this is a pure and honest expression of site and season.
Bouquet The nose is bright and mineral with notes of lemon zest, white peach and crushed stone. Flint, almond and delicate oak spice unfold in the background, adding quiet complexity.
Palate Taut and inviting, the palate delivers citrus, crisp apple and a touch of creamy lees. There’s a beautiful line of acidity and a stony, saline finish that gives this wine tension and length. A finely structured Chardonnay with elegance, texture and personality.
Food Pairing Perfect with grilled fish, roast chicken, or goats’ cheese and beetroot salad. Also lovely with seafood risotto, chargrilled vegetables or a herby lemon pasta.
Cellaring Drinking beautifully now but will develop through 2029. Expect greater savoury detail and mellowed texture over time.
Interesting Fact Dicey is the project of brothers James and Matt Dicey—viticulturist and winemaker—whose shared philosophy of low-intervention, site-specific winemaking has made them one of Bannockburn’s most respected boutique producers.