Earth Garden Pinot Gris
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Best enjoyed fresh to capture its vibrant fruit aromatics, typically within 1 to 3 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Complements mild aromatic Asian cuisine such as Thai green curry, roasted pork loin with apple sauce, or fresh grilled seafood.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Villa Maria, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, has long been a pioneer in New Zealand winemaking. The 'Earth Garden' range represents a deep commitment to ecological harmony, crafted from 100% organically grown grapes certified by BioGro. Sourced from the warm, sun-drenched vineyards of Hawke's Bay on the North Island, this Pinot Gris thrives in gravelly, free-draining soils influenced by moderating maritime breezes. The viticultural approach focuses on nurturing living soils to enhance the vines' natural immunity. In the cellar, gentle pressing and cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserve the vibrant, natural fruit characters, resulting in a rich, aromatic expression of ripe pear, red apple, and subtle ginger spice, rounded out by brief contact on yeast lees for added texture.
🍾 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.