Pinot Grigio
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Best enjoyed young and fresh, typically within 1 to 3 years of the vintage release to appreciate its vibrant fruit character.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Fresh seafood dishes such as grilled prawns, light summer salads with goat cheese, and mild Asian-inspired cuisine like sushi or chicken pad Thai.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Villa Maria, established in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, is a pioneering force in New Zealand winemaking. While Marlborough is globally renowned for Sauvignon Blanc, its unique terroir also coaxes exceptional vibrancy from Pinot Grigio. Sourced from vineyards across the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, this wine benefits from the region's intense sunshine and cool coastal breezes. The grapes are harvested in the cool of the night to preserve their delicate aromatics, then cool-fermented in stainless steel tanks. This process yields a bright, lively white wine bursting with fresh pear, red apple, and subtle floral notes, balanced by a crisp, refreshing acidity that reflects the pioneering spirit of one of New Zealand's most historic family-founded estates.
🍾 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.