Stella Bella, Serie Luminosa Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia, 2023

Producer Profile

This boutique winery in the heart of Margaret River creates idiosyncratic named ranges like Suckfizzle in a low interventionist and organic way keeping their approach as simple as possible to allow their cherished vineyards to show their quality.

It is not merely in the names where these wines are memorable, as once you have tasted them you will see why Luke Jolliffe, the winemaker, continues to receive recognition and awards from around the world for wines that have that wonderful Margaret River restraint and elegance, but are bound together with a fruit purity that makes them delectable.

Viticulture

Distinctly Southern Margaret River and uniquely Luminosa. Farmed from a single vineyard located in the Boodjidup Valley, each vine is curated & nurtured with an attention to detail that embraces our pristine natural environment. Gently handled to enhance the explosive yet elegant individuality and flavours that can only be Luminosa.

Winemaking

Luminosa is made in the vineyard. The endemic Gin Gin Chardonnay Clone was handpicked in two parcels during the cool of the morning at the perfect flavour ripeness. Whole bunch pressed to maintain fruit purity. Settled over night and transferred on lees to French oak barrels for natural fermentation. Battonage as required to ensure the perfect balance of flavour, complexity and texture. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Oak Ageing

Time: 10 months
Type: Fench
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 27

Tasting Note

Lemon and lime notes on the nose with a hint of the French oak. In true Luminosa style the wine continues to evolve with pink grapefruit, gun flint and a refreshing mineral sea spray character. The perfect balance of natural mineral acidity, phenolics from the Gingin clone of Chardonnay and the abundance of flavour from this distinguished vineyard site. Followed by the perfect blend of citrus, pink grapefruit, savoury almond meal and an effortless spring water finish to an elegant yet powerful wine.

Food Matching

Pork belly with crispy crackling.