COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
N/A
GRAPE
100% Pinot Gris
PRODUCER
Villa Maria Estate
REGION
Marlborough
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Off-dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Villa Maria Estate's Cellar Selection Pinot Gris is a white wine from the renowned Marlborough region of New Zealand, specifically the cooler Awatere Valley. The wine is made from 100% Pinot Gris grapes. Villa Maria Estate, established in 1961, is a leading New Zealand winery known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainable viticulture, being a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand and working towards organic practices. The 'Cellar Selection' range highlights fruit from meticulously managed, lower-yielding vineyards, contributing to the wine's concentrated character. This Pinot Gris is distinguished by its textural complexity, achieved through specific winemaking techniques, and its balance of ripe fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, characteristic of its cool-climate origin.
ALCOHOL
12.5%
AVG. PRICE
€12
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
When to drink
Now
Ideal temperature
8-8°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Villa Maria was a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
Fact 02
The winery is aiming for 100% organic vineyard management by 2030.
Fact 03
They pioneered the use of screwcaps in New Zealand to ensure wine quality.
Fact 04
The 'Cellar Selection' range uses fruit from lower-yielding vineyards for concentrated flavors.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The production of Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Gris begins with gentle pressing of the grapes. The majority of the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks using selected aromatic yeast strains to enhance the varietal fruit character. A portion of the wine undergoes fermentation with indigenous yeast in seasoned French oak barrels, contributing complexity and a richer mouthfeel. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on its yeast lees for an extended period, which develops a creamy texture and adds depth. Grapes are harvested at cool night temperatures to preserve aromatics. Villa Maria Estate is committed to sustainable viticulture, with all vineyards certified under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand program and a strategic move towards organic management.
