DOMAINE NATURALISTE Artus Chardonnay, Margaret River

Artus aims to express Margaret River’s GinGin Chardonnay clone, famous for its ‘hen-and-chicken’ habit. The mix of normal and much smaller grapes in the same bunch leads to wine with intense flavours and good acid structure. Artus aims to be a provocative, complex and textural wine that evokes ‘old world’ Chardonnay.

The vines are managed to allow only dappled light into the fruiting zone. This is said to promote flavour development, low tannins and bright levels of natural acidity. The fruit is farmed in the cool southern part of Margaret River. The tiny Gin Gin bunches (averaging just 100g each) are hand harvested at first light to preserve freshness. Typically, flavours of fresh nectarines and candied pecan nuts are supported by aromas of poached pears and marzipan.