Fruit driven in style, this is an elegant wine built around an abundance of ripe stone fruit characters, along with tropical and citrus contributions. On the palate, the wine is rounded and mouth-filling. Up front fruit is followed by a creamy and nutty mid-palate, with a mild oak presence. Soft and rich, the wine is suited for enjoyment now.
Background: The Villa Maria East Coast blend consists of parcels grown in Gisborne and the Hawkes Bay, with a small contribution from Marlborough. This inter-regional blend produces a complete wine displaying the full spectrum of chardonnay flavours. Gisborne in the north of the country is the warmest grape growing region and produces rich and full bodied chardonnays. Hawke's Bay in the East, typifies chardonnay with stone fruit and peach characters while Marlborough on the north of the south island produces refined, elegant and tightly structured chardonnays. The vineyards in the three regions are managed slightly differently to ensure that their individual microclimate produces the optimal fruit. |
