Stella Bella, Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia

Stuart Pym and Janice McDonald created the Stella Bella winery back in 1999, Stella Bella meaning beautiful star, the name chosen to “encapsulate the beautiful colours, aromas and flavours we enjoy and talk about in wine”. Luke Joliffe is now the chief winemaker and has built a reputation for crafting wines of real elegance and purity.

They are acutely aware of the pristine but fragile nature of the Margaret River region and do all they can to protect this and avoid causing any harm. For example planting swards of rye and clover between rows to prevent soil compaction, and introducing native ladybirds to combat mealy bugs.

This chardonnay is hand-picked, whole bunch pressed. The juice is wild fermented in a combination of new and old French oak and matured for 10 months before bottling. The aromas of Stella Bella is bursting with juicy yellow nectarine, pink grapefruit and Tahitian lime and a surprisingly pleasant touch of praline. A deep mineral acidity, created by the summer sea breezes blowing through the vineyards, leaning into touches of saltiness.  

Producer - Stella Bella
Country - Australia
Region - Margaret River
Variety / Blend - Chardonnay
Wine Style - White Wine   
Farming - Organic