The Story Behind Zareen
Zareen, derived from the Persian word for gold, embodies the vibrant complexity of Malta’s rich limestone terroir. Sourced from Chardonnay vines at the limits of Mdina, this vineyard is celebrated for its breathtaking views of the bastions and its unique character, offering an inspiring and rewarding experience for the winemaker. Paired with Sauvignon Blanc, Zareen reveals golden hues, a creamy texture, and a long, elegant finish. Driven by a dream to craft a complex, oak-aged Chardonnay, this wine is a true reflection of its extraordinary origins and meticulous artistry.
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Zareen
Golden, rich, and complex,
kissed by Maltese sunshine.
Zareen is a wine of remarkable complexity, crafted from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc harvested in stages to balance freshness and ripeness. Fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel, it retains vibrant acidity, while partial malolactic fermentation and aging in new French oak add richness and a creamy texture.
With its refined structure and depth, Zareen is a food-forward wine, seamlessly pairing richness and freshness to elevate a wide range of dishes.
Vintage
Zareen 2022
BLEND
90% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc.
Planted between 1998-2011 on Limestone and calcareous soil
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 554 (75cl)
Chardonnay harvested at two different stages to balance acidity and ripeness.
Fermentation at 16°C in stainless steel, followed by aging in new French oak barrels for 14 months. The wine underwent three months of bâtonnage (lees stirring) and full malolactic fermentation (MLF) to enhance complexity and texture.
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Pale in intensity with a lemon-green hue, reflecting its youthful character and vibrancy.
Nose: Pronounced intensity with a multi-layered aromatic profile. Primary aromas of tropical fruits—banana, mango, melon, pineapple, and ripe nectarines—dominate. Secondary aromas from the winemaking process include biscuits, bread, brioche, butter, cream, cheese, and rich yeastiness. Oak influence adds complexity with notes of cloves, cumin, cinnamon, vanilla, charred wood, cedar, and resin. Tertiary aromas from deliberate micro-oxidation reveal nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, marzipan, and walnuts, along with caramel, honey, mushroom, and a touch of toast.
Palate: Dry with high acidity and a full body. The medium alcohol and pronounced intensity deliver a bold, structured experience. Flavors mirror the nose, with a long, lingering nutty finish that highlights its aging potential and refined complexity.
Last tasted on: 28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zareen 2022 is a full-bodied, well-structured wine with a pronounced yeasty and buttery profile. Its balanced acidity and oak influence make it a standout white wine with significant aging potential,
Serving Temperature: 12°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2023 and 2040,
FOOD PAIRING
Zareen 2022 pairs beautifully with rich, structured dishes, showcasing its full texture and complexity. Enjoy it with roast stuffed pork or roast turkey with chestnuts and gravy, where its buttery notes complement the savory richness. Pair it with fried rabbit with garlic, highlighting its bold flavors, or Maltese sausage cream pasta, where the wine’s acidity balances the dish’s richness. It also works wonderfully with lobster thermidor, veal blanquette, or truffle-infused chicken, offering a harmonious interplay of bold textures and refined flavors. Each pairing elevates the wine’s depth and sophistication.
Vintage
Zareen 2021
BLEND
86% Chardonnay, 14% Sauvignon Blanc.
Planted between 1998-2011 on Limestone and calcareous soil
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 766 (75cl)
47 (150cl)
Chardonnay harvested at two different stages to maintain acidity and balance.
Fermentation at 16°C in stainless steel, followed by aging in new French oak barrels for 14 months. The wine underwent three months of bâtonnage (lees stirring) and full malolactic fermentation (MLF) to enhance texture and complexity.
Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Pale in intensity with a lemon-green hue, showing youthful vibrancy and signs of great aging potential.
Nose: Medium-plus intensity with a layered profile. Primary aromas include stone fruits such as peaches, apricots, and nectarines, with subtle hints of banana and citrus lemon. Secondary aromas reveal biscuits, bread, brioche, butter, cream, cheese, and notes of yeast from the winemaking process. Oak aging contributes nuanced notes of cloves, cumin, cinnamon, vanilla, charred wood, and cedar. Tertiary aromas from oxidation and bottle aging introduce nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, marzipan, and caramel, alongside mushroom, honey, and toast.
Palate: Dry with medium-plus acidity and a full body. Medium alcohol and medium-plus intensity deliver a structured and elegant experience. Flavors mirror the nose, with a long, lingering nutty and buttery finish that showcases its delicate yet complex character.
Last tasted on: 28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zareen 2021 is a fresh-bodied wine with excellent structure, offering a refined balance of buttery richness and elegance. Its delicate complexity and oak influence make it an exceptional white food wine.
Serving Temperature: 12°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2022 and 2038.,
FOOD PAIRING
Zareen 2021 complements rich, structured dishes with finesse. Enjoy it with roast stuffed pork or roast turkey with chestnuts and gravy, where its buttery notes and acidity balance the savory flavors. It pairs beautifully with fried rabbit with garlic or Maltese sausage cream pasta, enhancing the depth of these hearty dishes. For a sophisticated pairing, try it with seared scallops in a white wine butter sauce, chicken supreme with morel mushrooms, or veal piccata. Each pairing celebrates the wine’s elegant balance of freshness and complexity.
Vintage
Zareen 2020
BLEND
90% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc.
Planted between 1998-2011 on Limestone and calcareous soil
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 418 (75cl)
84 (150cl)
Fermentation at 16°C in stainless steel, followed by aging in new French oak barrels for 14 months. The wine underwent three months of bâtonnage (lees stirring) and full malolactic fermentation (MLF) to enhance texture and complexity. The Chardonnay was harvested at two different stages to balance acidity and ripeness.
Alcohol: 14% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Pale in intensity with a lemon hue, showing signs of development and maturity.
Nose: Pronounced intensity with a complex bouquet. Primary aromas of tropical fruits such as banana, mango, melon, pineapple, and stone fruits like peaches, apricots, and nectarines are complemented by citrus lemon, ripe yellow apple, and very ripe pear. Floral notes of chamomile add elegance. Secondary aromas include biscuits, bread, brioche, butter, cream, and cheese from bâtonnage, with oak contributing refined notes of cloves, cumin, cinnamon, vanilla, charred wood, cedar, smoke, and resin. Tertiary aromas from deliberate oxidation and bottle aging reveal nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), marzipan, caramel, dried apricots, mushrooms, honey, and toast.
Palate: Dry, with high acidity and a full body. The high alcohol and pronounced intensity deliver a rich, structured profile. Flavors mirror the nose, with a long, lingering nutty, yeasty, and buttery finish that underscores its complexity and aging potential.
Last tasted on: 28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zareen 2020 is a full-bodied, well-structured wine with a yeasty and buttery character. Its savory and spiritual qualities make it a standout white wine with exceptional aging potential,
Serving Temperature: 12°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2022 and 2042
FOOD PAIRING
Zareen 2020 is an ideal match for rich, structured dishes. Pair it with roast stuffed pork or roast turkey with chestnuts and gravy, where its buttery notes balance the savory richness. It complements fried rabbit with garlic or Maltese sausage cream pasta, and its bold flavors stand up to luxurious dishes like rich lobster thermidor. For heartier pairings, try it with white meat stews or fricassée, where its acidity cuts through the richness and enhances the flavors. This wine shines with dishes that match its robust and savory profile.
Vintage
Zareen 2019
BLEND
78% Chardonnay, 17% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Vermentino.
Planted between 1998-2011 on Limestone and calcareous soil.
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 998 (75cl)
Fermentation at 16°C in stainless steel, followed by aging in new French oak barrels for 14 months. The wine underwent three months of bâtonnage (lees stirring) and full malolactic fermentation (MLF) to enhance texture and complexity. The Chardonnay was harvested at two different stages to maintain acidity and balance.
Alcohol: 13% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Medium in intensity with a lemon hue, showing signs of development and complexity.
Nose: Medium-plus intensity with developing aromas. Primary notes include tropical fruits such as banana, mango, melon, pineapple, and stone fruits like peaches, apricots, and nectarines. Additional ripe lemon, yellow apple, and very ripe pear bring a sense of richness. Floral hints of chamomile tea and wet stone add elegance. Secondary aromas from bâtonnage and oak aging reveal biscuits, bread, brioche, butter, cream, and cheese, along with refined oak influences of cloves, cumin, cinnamon, vanilla, charred wood, cedar, smoke, and resin. Tertiary aromas from deliberate oxidation and bottle aging include nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), marzipan, toffee, dried apricots, mushroom, honey, and toast.
Palate: Dry with medium-plus acidity and a full body. Medium alcohol and pronounced intensity deliver a creamy, textured experience. Flavors mirror the nose, with a long, lingering nutty, yeasty, and buttery finish, showcasing its elegance and depth.
Last tasted on: 28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zareen 2019 is a full-bodied, well-structured wine with pronounced yeasty and buttery characteristics. Its floral and savory qualities make it a standout white wine with a spiritual essence.
Serving Temperature: 12°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2021 and 2035.
FOOD PAIRING
Zareen 2019 pairs perfectly with rich, structured dishes. Enjoy it with roast stuffed pork or roast turkey with chestnuts and gravy, where its creamy texture balances savory flavors. It complements fried rabbit with garlic and Maltese sausage cream pasta, enhancing their richness. For more indulgent pairings, try rich lobster thermidor, white meat stews, or fricassée, where the wine’s buttery and nutty profile adds depth and complexity. This wine is a culinary companion for dishes that match its bold and elegant character.
