Ratings
JS 91 · D 90
Identity
| Producer | Villa Maria |
| Year | 2022 |
| Vol | 0.75 |
| Classification | Reserve tier |
| Grapes | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Color | White |
| Sweetness | Dry |
Tasting
| Color Desc | Pale straw to light yellow with bright clarity |
| Aroma | Passionfruit, blackcurrant, guava, lime, tropical fruit, nettles, boxwood, fresh herbs |
| Palate | Bright, crisp acidity with tropical fruit flavors, citrus, creamy texture, medium body, and a layered finish |
| Finish | Long, refreshing finish with wet stone minerality and saline texture |
| Food Pairing | Oysters, grilled fish, summer salads, seafood, light fresh dishes |
| Serving Temp | 10-12 |
| Aging Potential | 3 years |
Profile
Acidity (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Body (1-5)
AVERAGE
Aroma (1-5)
HIGH
Minerality (1-5)
LOW
Enology
| ABV % | 13.0 |
| Aging Process | No barrel aging specified; likely stainless steel fermentation to preserve freshness |
| Fermentation | Fermented likely in stainless steel tanks with temperature control to preserve aromatic freshness |
Terroir
| Soil | Deep silts, loess, and clay soils in Wairau Valley vineyards |
| Harvest Type | manual |
| Harvest Desc | Grapes sourced from premium vineyards in Wairau Valley, harvested at night for maximum aromatic retention |
Interesting facts
| Villa Maria is a leading New Zealand winery known for sustainable viticulture with multiple certifications and global recognition as New Zealand’s Most Admired Wine Brand (2015-2019). |
Logistics
| Cork | screw cap |