Pinot Gris Reserve
β³ Drinking Window
2023 - 2027
π½οΈ Food & Wine Pairings
Aromatic Southeast Asian curries, roasted pork belly, or pan-seared scallops.
β¨ 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.
πΎ About the Producer
Established in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria evolved from a modest five-acre leased plot in MΔngere, Auckland, into one of New Zealand's foremost vinous institutions. Acquired by Indevin Group in 2021, the estate continues its legacy of regional and stylistic breadth, sourcing exceptional fruit from premier microclimates across Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, and Auckland. Viticultural operations emphasize environmental stewardship as a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, complemented by dedicated organic vineyard blocks. Production is delineated into tiers ranging from accessible Private Bin and Cellar Selection expressions to vineyard-designated benchmarks like the Seaspray and Southern Clays Sauvignon Blancs, alongside cellar-worthy Gimblett Gravels Bordeaux blends and single-vineyard Chardonnays. The winemaking team balances modern temperature-controlled stainless steel ferments for pristine aromatic vibrancy with targeted French oak maturation and lees contact for texturally layered, terroir-precise bottlings.