Mount Trio Great Southern Chardonnay 2025

Tasting Notes

The Mount Trio Chardonnay Great Southern Series of 2025 greets you with a clear, light lemony gold hue that hints at its elegance. On the nose, it is vibrant and perfumed, showcasing typical Chardonnay aromas of ripe stone fruits, with peach and melon taking centre stage. The subtle influence of oak adds complexity, with hints of spice that give the wine an added layer of depth.

On the palate, the wine delivers a medium-bodied mouthfeel with a lovely balance of fresh melon and white peach flavours. The light, refreshing acidity lifts the palate, enhancing the length and persistence of the finish. The wine’s delicate oak influence provides structure and complexity without overpowering the fresh fruit character. With just 15% of the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation, it reveals subtle butterscotch notes that enrich the overall flavour profile.

This Chardonnay is elegant and well-weighted, making it enjoyable now, though it will continue to evolve in bottle over the next few years.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Seafood: Excellent with creamy seafood dishes like lobster bisque or prawn pasta.
• Grilled Chicken: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, particularly with a lemony herb sauce or roasted vegetables.
• Cheese: Complements soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, as well as semi-hard cheeses like Gruyère.
• Pasta: Ideal with creamy pasta dishes or risottos that feature fresh herbs or citrus elements.

Best Serving Temp:

Serve the Mount Trio Chardonnay lightly chilled at 10°C to 12°C to enhance its vibrant fruit flavours and elegant balance.

• If storing at room temperature (22°C): Chill the bottle for about 45 minutes before serving.
• If storing in the fridge (5°C): Remove the bottle 10 minutes before serving to allow it to warm slightly to the perfect drinking temperature.

Additional Information

• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Region: Great Southern, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13% by Vol | 7.8 Standard Drinks
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2025
• Volume: 750ml
• RRP: $25

Technical Terms Explained

• Malolactic Fermentation (MLF): A process where malic acid (which gives wines a tart, green apple flavour) is converted into softer lactic acid, often contributing buttery or creamy flavours to wines.
• Barrel Fermentation: The process of fermenting wine in oak barrels instead of stainless steel tanks. This imparts subtle oak flavours, such as spice and vanilla, and adds complexity to the wine.
• Acidity: The crisp, tart quality in wine that provides freshness and balance, preventing the wine from tasting flat or overly sweet.
• Oak Influence: The flavour and texture imparted by the use of oak barrels during fermentation or maturation. It can contribute spicy, vanilla, or toasty flavours and adds structure to the wine.

Diverse Styles of Chardonnay

One of the defining features of Chardonnay in Margaret River is the range of styles that emerge from the region, each reflecting the winemaker’s philosophy and the specific vineyard conditions.

1. Fruit-Forward and Crisp

Some Margaret River Chardonnays emphasise fresh fruit characteristics, displaying vibrant notes of lemon, lime, peach, and nectarine. These wines often undergo cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve their bright acidity and fruit purity. Some wineries may use older oak barrels to add some complexity, but the oak itself blends in with the wine and they present a clean, crisp profile that makes them highly refreshing and perfect for casual drinking. These styles are particularly popular for their approachability and are excellent companions to seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.

2. Malolactic Fermentation (MLF)

Many Margaret River winemakers employ malolactic fermentation to add complexity to their Chardonnays. This secondary fermentation process converts sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid, creating a creamier mouthfeel and a rounder texture. As a result, wines that undergo MLF often display buttery notes and a luscious richness alongside their fruit flavours. These Chardonnays can exhibit aromas of vanilla and toasty oak, making them delightful choices for pairing with richer dishes like roasted chicken or creamy pasta.

3. Oak-Aged Elegance

The use of oak barrels is a hallmark of many Margaret River Chardonnays, adding layers of complexity and depth to the wines. Winemakers often choose French oak to impart subtle spice and toasty notes without overpowering the fruit. The degree of oak influence can vary, with some producers opting for full barrel fermentation and extended lees contact to enhance creaminess and mouthfeel. These wines often feature a harmonious integration of oak and fruit, showcasing flavours of ripe pear, citrus, and hints of almond or hazelnut. A well-structured, oak-aged Chardonnay can age gracefully, developing greater complexity over time.

4. Chablis-Inspired Styles

In addition to the more opulent Chardonnays, some winemakers in Margaret River are inspired by the styles of Chablis, France. These Chardonnays focus on minerality, crispness, and a steely elegance, often showcasing flinty and citrus-driven profiles. Minimal to no oak is used which allows the purity of the fruit and the terroir to shine, resulting in wines that are vibrant and refreshing. These styles are particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more restrained approach to Chardonnay, emphasising the varietal’s natural acidity and terroir.