The White Wine To Drink With Friends This Summer
Created in partnership with Villa Maria Wine
New Zealand is known for both its striking landscapes and bold wines. With a winery set within a volcanic crater, Villa Maria captures both with its selection of wines. Planted among the wind-cooled valleys and shifting mountains of New Zealand's sunniest region, Villa Maria’s Marlborough sauvignon blanc is designed to work for any moment – whether that’s pouring a glass after a long day’s work or at a relaxed get-together with friends.
Why is Marlborough sauvignon blanc so beloved?
Across 28,000 hectares planted in the northeast corner of New Zealand’s South Island, Marlborough is the country’s most iconic wine region. The region accounts for two-thirds of the country’s vines, and the majority of New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc. The variety is Villa Maria’s most planted and produced wine, and its vineyards produce some of the world’s most-awarded sauvignon blanc. The area’s abundant sunshine, cool nights and relatively fertile, free-draining soils result a crisp, vibrant and refreshing acidity.
The Bottle To Know...
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc
Sourced from vineyards across the Marlborough region, this intense sauvignon blanc features flavours of gooseberry, passionfruit and fresh citrus, finished with herbaceous aromas. Initially, aromas such as lemongrass, jalapeños and fresh herbs jump out the glass, before ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavours hit the palate.
What to serve it with…
Fresh and vibrant, this wine pairs well with a range of dishes, but it’s especially good with seafood, such as lemongrass and chilli steamed mussels. An ideal aperitif, the fresh herbal flavours also match well with most salads.
Inspired? Here are three more Villa Maria wines to know…
Private Bin Pinot Noir
Intense and fruit-driven in style, this pinot noir is a food friendly wine with vibrant flavours including red fruit, plum, cherry and currant – alongside notes of clove and spice.
What to serve it with…
This bottle works really well with smoked salmon or a mature cheddar cheese. Other well-suited dishes include slow-roasted pork shoulder, creamy mushroom risotto or poached pears with mascarpone.
Blush Sauvignon
This blush sauvignon has vibrant aromas of passionfruit and fresh herbs, with a splash of merlot adding floral blossom and delicate red berry notes. Expect notes of freshness and natural acidity.
What to serve it with…
Ideal on its own or as an aperitif, this wine is best served chilled and works really well at outdoor gatherings. Barbecued chicken and grilled fish are both decent options.
Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
A classic representation of sauvignon blanc from the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, this wine is bursting with the tropical fruit characters typically found in this warmer sub-region.
What to serve it with…
Sauvignon blanc pairs really well with seafood such as sautéed scallops or seared red snapper, alongside salads featuring rocket, goat’s cheese or melon.
To find out more about what makes Villa Maria wines a go-to for any occasion, visit VillaMariaWines.com
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