Villa Maria – Sauvignon Blanc from the New World
“There had never before been a wine that crackled and spat its flavours at you from the glass..” Oz Clarke
The 2016 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc from Villa Maria vineyards is a strong best buy offering reminding me of more expensive versions from the Sancerre region of France. As mentioned in an earlier blog, I was fortunate to obtain a shipment of six varietals from the Villa Maria vineyard as part of a remote tasting featuring Senior Winemaker Helen Morrison. This is the third offering in the series that I will be featuring.
Sauvignon Blanc is the predominant wine growing grape engine of New Zealand making up 72% of the wine produced in this country. Over 82% of the exports from New Zealand include the varietal as of 2016. In a little over 3 decades, the Marlborough region of New Zealand has transformed itself into a major player in the production of wines enjoyed around the world.
The Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc features a complexity and fullness that I find rare in most New World Sauvignon Blanc wines. The red fruit paired with citrus and lemon grass presents multiple layers of tastes. The wine has a light herbal nose. Tastes of passion fruit, gooseberry, and grapefruit are balanced with each one introducing itself to your palate.
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc is round with very light acidity. The 2016 harvest featured grapes from the cool climate of the Awatere Valley as well as the warmer Wairau Valley to produce the contrast of citrus and tropical flavors.
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc received a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator keeping in line with the high quality of production at a price that makes it accessible for everyday drinking.
At $13 per bottle this is a good pairing with seafood and as a chilled aperitif. As with all Sauvignon Blanc wines, the 2016 offering is meant to be enjoyed immediately upon purchase. Grab a few bottles to enjoy during the last days of summer with friends and family.
Remember to drink what it is that makes you truly happy and always think positively!
Drink Responsibly!
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