What makes New Zealand Chardonnay distinctive?

Characteristics of New Zealand Chardonnay styles include: a high degree of acidity and freshness, and a complex and delicate minerality. Varying the microclimates of the regions from Marlborough to Gisborne, wines are bold and oaky, or light and fruit-based. Wines of various producers can be more somber or complex. Chardonnay from HawkeBay commonly possessing the flavors of stone fruit and citrus as well as those from the Canterbury districts called for lively acidity and soft oak.