Noble Riesling Botrytis Selection Reserve
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5 to 15 years from vintage release, during which it develops complex notes of beeswax, ginger, and kerosene while retaining its vibrant acidity.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Classic blue cheeses, glazed apricot or pear tarts, and rich savory starters like duck liver pâté.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Villa Maria, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, is a cornerstone of New Zealand's modern wine industry. Their Noble Riesling Botrytis Selection Reserve showcases Marlborough's unique ability to produce world-class dessert wines. In the late autumn, cool morning mists rising from the river valleys meet warm, breezy afternoons, creating the ideal microclimate for Botrytis cinerea (noble rot) to flourish. The hand-harvested, shriveled Riesling grapes yield an incredibly concentrated nectar. Slow fermentation preserves the intense, honeyed stone fruit characters, vibrant citrus zest, and the signature crisp acidity that perfectly balances the luscious sweetness of this classic botrytized style.
🍾 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.