Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc Reserve
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Freshly shucked oysters, grilled sea bass with herbs, or classic goat cheese salad.
✨ Technical Specifications
Villa Maria, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, stands as one of New Zealand's most celebrated and pioneering wineries. The Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc Reserve is a masterclass in cool-climate viticulture, sourced from the wind-swept, maritime-influenced Awatere Valley in Marlborough. Here, the vines contend with strong coastal breezes and cooler temperatures, which slow ripening and concentrate the grapes' natural acidity and aromatic profile. This expression of Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its signature profile of intense lemongrass, fresh jalapeño, lime zest, and a distinct flinty, saline minerality that pays homage to its rugged coastal origin. It represents the pinnacle of Marlborough's sub-regional diversity, showcasing the dramatic influence of the Pacific Ocean on the vines.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria stands as one of New Zealand's most celebrated and pioneering wine producers. From its historic roots in Auckland, the winery has established extensive vineyard holdings across the premier winegrowing regions of Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, and Gisborne. Renowned for its steadfast dedication to sustainability and quality innovation, Villa Maria played an instrumental role in shaping modern New Zealand viticulture and championing regional expressiveness. The estate's diverse portfolio ranges from the globally recognized Private Bin series to site-specific single-vineyard and Reserve wines, excelling in vibrant Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, refined Pinot Noir, complex Chardonnay, and structured Hawke's Bay red blends.
🍇 Grape Varieties
100% Sauvignon Blanc