Mornington Peninsula Chardy – a royal super-seasonal match to catch

Ten Minutes by Tractor McCutcheon Vineyard

Of protected origin (rich fertile earth, a gentle maritime climate) and, once harvested by hand, subjected to the same level of care throughout the production process, Jersey Royal New Potatoes have much in common with Mornington Peninsula Chardonnays, at least those from the region’s richer volcanic soils.

As I’ve been tucking into the current crop of these aptly monikered royally good spuds this last fortnight, I’ve had Mornington Peninsula Chardonnays in mind (sadly not in the glass), especially the 2006 Ten Minutes by Tractor McCutcheon Chardonnay.

Why? Because my tasting note from the recent Landmark Australian Tour Chardonnay Masterclass likened its creamy, buttery/nutty sweetness and fresh dug earthiness to buttered Jersey Royals. And it’s a description which has popped into my head before at a Decanter Mornington Peninsula panel tasting.

My advice? If you can, check out this is a match while Jersey Royals are in season – I reckon it’s a winner! Here are some great examples of Mornington Peninsula Chardys which are available in the UK (and most seem to be stocked by Hedonism) – Ten Minutes by Tractor natch (Majestic, The Wine Library), Moor00duc Estate (Hedonism), Dexter (Slurp), Eldridge Estate (Auswineonline), Yabby Lake (Swig), Kooyong (New Street Wines, The Wine Society), Stonier (Wine Direct) and Oceans Eight (The Wine Society).