About the Wine

“Winemaking is an art, not a numbers game and our winemakers and viticulturists understand this. For us it’s simple: our wine is far more important than how many zeros are on our balance sheet.” ~Villa Maria 

With more than 60 years of producing wine in New Zealand, Villa María has become a benchmark for premium viticulture in this country, and around the world. Sir George Fistonich began his wine dream in 1960, with just one acre of vineyard. Little did he know that this dream would soon become an internationally award-winning, highly recognized winery.

Villa Maria’s accolades are countless: In 2020, it was named (for the 6th consecutive year) the “Most Admired Brand from New Zealand” by the renowned Drinks International Magazine. That same year, it was selected (for the 3rd time) as the “Must Trusted Wine Brand” by Reader’s Digest. It’s been rewarded “New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year” by the International Wine & Spirit Competition more than 4 times. Named as “One of the World’s 50 Great Wine Producers” by Wine Spectator, among other recognitions.

This winery is completely committed to the environment by implementing sustainable practices in the vineyard and in the cellar. They’re organically certified by the “New Zealand Sustainable Winegrowing” company, the “BioGro” and the “Toitu” organization. Their mantra explains it very simply: “We believe in living life to the fullest while making sure we are protecting the earth for future generations.”

Marlborough’s Sauv Blanc is a dream for wine lovers.  Winemaker Helen Morrison says, “As one of the sunniest and driest regions in New Zealand, Marlborough has a distinct advantage in climate, which helps protect natural acidity important for winemaking and enhance grape aromatics leading to our success with Sauvignon Blanc. What I love most about Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is the legacy we are building as a brand and as a country. Sixty years ago no one could’ve predicted the worldwide attention, scale, and growth New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has garnered over the last decade or so.  I do believe we produce some of the best Sauvignon Blanc offerings in the world which are confirmed both by consumer demand and global wine critics.” 

Aging: 1-2 months on yeast lees.

Tasting Notes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has a ripe, round feel in the mouth with luxurious layers of passionfruit and guava subduing some acidity and giving the wine an extraordinarily long finish.

Reviews

Pure, classic, Marlborough pungency on the nose with lifted, tropical notes of passion fruit, nectarine, nettles, and Jasmine. The palate is full, fleshy, textural, very tangy, and intense. Something of a show-stopper. ~94 New Zealand Wine Rater 

With a salty, beeswax-like richness up front, there’s honey and white spice amidst the lime blossom, grapefruit, and passionfruit notes that make up the core fruit flavors. They’re backlit by tomato leaf and green-herbal nuances. The palate has lovely depth and a slippery textural component that’s lifted by crunchy acidity and a herb-flecked finish. ~92 Wine Enthusiast

Pungent floral nose with notes of fresh grass, lime, dandelion, and red apple aromas. Succulent palate with a touch of salinity. ~91 Decanter 

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