Producer >
Founded in 2005, Walnut Block is the vision of brothers, Clyde and Nigel Sowman with Clyde in managing the overall project and Nigel responsible for the development of the estate’s organically farmed vineyards. The first vines were planted in 1996 on the alluvial deposits of the renowned Wairau Valley in Marlborough where the combination of free draining soils, sunshine hours and temperate climate provide an excellent backdrop for the production of high quality, cool climate grapes that have both natural intense fruit flavours and refreshing acidity. For the whites, the Collectibles Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in stainless steel whilst the Nutcracker Sauvignon is made 70:30 tank and barrel and the Nutcracker Chardonnay is fermented and aged in 500 litre demi-muids. Open top fermenters are used for the reds with further ageing in French barriques, 9 months for the Collectibles and 12 months for the Nutcracker.
Viticulture >
First planted in 1996 the Walnut Block vineyards lie in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough. The soils are made up of alluvial deposits, from an ancient river bed that flowed between the mountainous borders of the valley, over a free-draining, stony subsoil. The region benefits from high sunshine hours and a temperate climate. The Chardonnay vines for this wine were planted in 1996. Organically managed, each plant is shoot thinned and lightly leaf plucked to provide ideal light penetration and even ripening. Harvesting is done by hand.
Winemaking >
The Chardonnay vines were planted in 1996. Organically managed, each plant is shoot thinned and lightly leaf plucked to provide ideal light penetration and even ripening. Very low yields ensure excellent flavours with the cool climate providing finely balanced acidity. A wine created by nature’s elements. The grapes are handpicked, whole bunched pressed, and the juice run directly into French 500L oak puncheons. Wild yeasts from the vineyard provide a natural fermentation. The wine is left to develop in barrel for 12 months.
"Certified Organic by BioGro New Zealand. Each plant is shoot thinned and lightly leaf
plucked to provide ideal light penetration and even ripening. Very low yields ensure excellent flavours with the cool climate providing finely balanced acidity."
Chardonnay
14
NEW ZEALAND
6
Screw Cap
Walnut Block Winery
Organic
Biodynamic
Vegan
Vegetarian 
Fact Sheet
