Domaine Tetta - Chardonnay Origine 2021

Chardonnay Origine is an elegant orange wine from Domaine tetta in Niimi, Okayama. Made primarily from Chardonnay (95%) with small amounts of Chenin Blanc, Koshu, Sémillon, Auxerrois, and Pinot Blanc, it expresses both innovation and respect for tradition. This dry, medium-bodied wine is fermented with wild yeast, lightly filtered, and crafted with minimal sulphite addition, highlighting the purity of fruit and the character of the limestone-rich terroir. 

Tasting Notes 

Complex and inviting, with aromas of ripe lemon, baked apple, white flowers, amaretto, bread dough, and a delicate botanical note reminiscent of gin. The palate is intense and well-structured, balancing bright acidity with fine minerality. The finish is medium-long, showing layers of caramel and dried fruit. Decanting is recommended to bring out its depth. Excellent now but also promising for ageing. 

Winemaking 

The grapes were harvested from early to mid-October from 4–12-year-old vines planted on southwest-facing slopes of a limestone karst plateau at 400 metres altitude. The five additional varieties—grown experimentally in the same vineyard—were harvested and vinified together with the Chardonnay. After destemming, the grapes were macerated on the skins for 25 days in stainless steel tanks, with punch-downs three times daily. Following a gentle basket pressing, the wine was aged in French oak barrels for nine and a half months, then rested for around five months before release. 

Food Pairing 

Grilled eggplant with sweet miso, Japanese omelette with dashi, sushi, baba ganoush, salted fried ginkgo nuts, grilled eel with soy glaze, deep-fried tofu and vegetables in oyster sauce, or miso-marinated grilled white fish.