Pinot Gris Reserve
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2027
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Aromatic Southeast Asian curries, roasted pork belly, or pan-seared scallops.
✨ Technical Specifications
Villa Maria, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich with just a single acre of vines, has grown to become a defining pioneer of modern New Zealand winemaking. The Pinot Gris Reserve represents a sophisticated expression of Marlborough's cool-climate terroir, sourcing premium fruit from select vineyard parcels across the Wairau and Awatere Valleys. Influenced by the classic style of Alsace, the winemakers employ partial barrel fermentation in seasoned French oak barriques alongside extended lees aging. This careful craftsmanship coaxes out a rich, luscious texture and weight, balancing Marlborough's signature crisp acidity with opulent layers of ripe pear, red apple, and subtle ginger spice.
🍾 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.