Braided Gravels Merlot
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3 to 10 years from the vintage release, though exceptional vintages can cellar gracefully for up to 12 years.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Slow-roasted rosemary lamb shoulder, grilled prime ribeye steak, or pan-seared duck breast.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Hailing from the prestigious Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke's Bay, Villa Maria's Braided Gravels Merlot is a profound expression of one of New Zealand's most unique terroirs. The name pays homage to the ancient, stony, braided riverbed of the Ngaruroro River, which shifted course over a century ago to leave behind deep beds of gravel. Once deemed useless for traditional farming, these free-draining stones absorb the Kiwi sun by day and radiate warmth to the vines by night, allowing the late-ripening Merlot grape to achieve optimal phenolic maturity. Villa Maria, founded by wine pioneer Sir George Fistonich in 1961, crafts this wine with meticulous care, utilizing traditional fermentation followed by aging in fine French oak barriques. The result is a deeply colored, aromatic red boasting luscious notes of dark plum, blackberry, and sweet baking spices, framed by velvety tannins and a distinct mineral elegance.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich in Auckland, Villa Maria has grown from a visionary one-man operation into one of New Zealand's most acclaimed and globally recognized wineries. The estate meticulously sources exceptional fruit from premier winegrowing regions across the country, including Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, and Gisborne, to craft expressive wines that reflect their unique regional terroirs. Renowned for its pioneering spirit, Villa Maria was a trailblazer in adopting screwcap closures to preserve freshness and remains deeply committed to sustainable and organic viticulture. Their diverse portfolio is celebrated for vibrant Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, elegant single-vineyard Pinot Noirs like Taylors Pass and Seddon, and rich, structured Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blends from Hawke's Bay.