Feature Coverage

Chardonnay Rules at Kumeu River

“New Zealand’s wine history has been significantly—and positively—influenced by the Croatian immigrants who arrived in the country at the turn of the last century and settled in northerly Auckland. The Brajkovich family, who immigrated from the Dalmatian coast, founded what is now Kumeu River Wines in 1944. Today, third-generation Michael Brajkovich serves as winemaker; he also became New Zealand’s first Master of Wine in 1989.

Chardonnay is a specialty at Kumeu River. I tasted through some current Chardonnay releases with Michael last month. This is one of New Zealand’s best producers of this varietal, with few rivals.”

Anthony Dias Blue, December 2009
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Chardonnay Rules at Kumeu River