Cellar Selection Pinot Noir
β³ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed within 2 to 6 years from the vintage release, when its bright fruit profile and subtle oak integration are in perfect harmony.
π½οΈ Food & Wine Pairings
Complements classic dishes such as roasted duck breast, wild mushroom risotto, or pan-seared salmon.
β¨ Technical Specifications
Villa Maria, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, stands as a cornerstone of New Zealand's modern winemaking legacy. The Cellar Selection Pinot Noir represents a curated expression of Marlborough's diverse sub-regions, primarily sourcing fruit from the clay-rich soils of the Southern Valleys and the stony alluvial soils of the Wairau Valley. This geographical tapestry imparts both rich dark cherry fruit and elegant structural acidity. Traditionally fermented in open-top vessels with regular plunging to gently extract color and tannins, the wine is aged in French oak barriques. The result is a Pinot Noir that beautifully balances vibrant red fruit aromas with subtle savory undertones, wild herbs, and a touch of spicy oak, embodying the pioneering spirit of one of New Zealand's most awarded wineries.
πΎ About the Producer
Established in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria evolved from a modest five-acre leased plot in MΔngere, Auckland, into one of New Zealand's foremost vinous institutions. Acquired by Indevin Group in 2021, the estate continues its legacy of regional and stylistic breadth, sourcing exceptional fruit from premier microclimates across Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, and Auckland. Viticultural operations emphasize environmental stewardship as a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, complemented by dedicated organic vineyard blocks. Production is delineated into tiers ranging from accessible Private Bin and Cellar Selection expressions to vineyard-designated benchmarks like the Seaspray and Southern Clays Sauvignon Blancs, alongside cellar-worthy Gimblett Gravels Bordeaux blends and single-vineyard Chardonnays. The winemaking team balances modern temperature-controlled stainless steel ferments for pristine aromatic vibrancy with targeted French oak maturation and lees contact for texturally layered, terroir-precise bottlings.
π Grapes
100% Pinot Noir