Cellar Selection Albarino
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Best enjoyed young and vibrant, typically within 1 to 3 years from the vintage release, to fully appreciate its crisp acidity and fresh fruit aromatics.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Freshly shucked oysters, grilled seafood such as prawns or white fish, and light summer salads with goat cheese.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Villa Maria, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, has long been a pioneer in New Zealand winemaking. While Gisborne is traditionally celebrated as the Chardonnay capital of the country, it has also proven to be an exceptional home for the Spanish grape Albariño. Grown on the coastal plains of Gisborne—where the vines are among the first in the world to greet the morning sun—this wine benefits from a warm maritime climate and fertile, clay-silt soils. The Cellar Selection Albariño is crafted to showcase the pure, vibrant character of the fruit, utilizing temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation to preserve its aromatic intensity. The result is a beautifully expressive white wine defined by lime, peach, and floral notes, underpinned by a distinct salty minerality that pays homage to its coastal heritage.
🍾 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.