Tohu Nelson Chardonnay

Tohu (pronounced tor-who) were the world’s first Maori owned and operated wine company, formed back in 1998. The label features the famous New Zealand koru, that iconic symbol slapped on the side of every plane in the national airline fleet. In fact from time to time you might even see a Tohu glass of wine being poured on board or in their airport lounges!

The Tohu label is part of Kono NZ – a whanau-owned Māori food and beverage producer. They own over 300 hectares of land in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough and they farm, harvest, process and then market and export their wine, craft beer, cider, apples, pears, kiwifruit and hops. As well as aiming to be the world’s best indigenous food and beverage provider their values are central to the values of Maori – thoughtfulness, kindness and hospitality.

Oh, and making sure you’re pouring bloody good wine if it’s got Tohu on the label!

This is their 2023 vintage Chardonnay from sunny old Nelson and for a little over $15 this is a bit of a bargain buy for Chardonnay lovers.

Scoring 91/100 and receiving a Top Value Award with The Real Review’s Bob Campbell. Bob said “Pale, straw-coloured wine with peach, nectarine, apricot, vanilla and lemon curd flavours. An appealing fruit-forward style with a smooth, almost luscious texture. Ready for drinking.”

If it’s kai time this is a style that’ll pair just nicely with white meats like chicken and pork or fish and seafood dishes. For a master chef wine and food pairing the guys and girls at Tohu recommend this one with sticky salmon with coconut and spring bean salad. Yum!