Villa Maria Branco

Description

Villa Maria Vine: The Taylors Pass vineyard is situated on the north bank of the Awatere River, in southern Marlborough. The average vine age ranges from 14 to 19 years. Protected from the prevailing cold winds coming from the east, each terrace of the vineyard has different soil types: the gravelly gravels lie closest to the river, the intermediate terrace consists of silt over gravel, and the upper terrace has a deeper layer of silt over a clay‑clay base. This mosaic of soil types provides the vineyard with highly varied ripening patterns. Vinification: Full fermentation in stainless steel using yeast selected for its texture and aroma. The carefully monitored time in contact with the yeast lees contributes to weight and texture on the palate. Praised for its fresh acidity and intense citrus aromas and flavours, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is made to be savoured. The aromas that fill the room and the distinctly fresh character of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reasons for its popularity and a memorable experience. Look a little deeper and you’ll discover a highly expressive wine style capable of great variety and differentiation. The Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with fresh shellfish, such as sautéed scallops or grilled sea bass, accompanied by a fresh arugula salad, goat cheese and melon. Wine Enthusiast: Strawberry leaf, lime‑lemon and ginger stand out in this aromatic white. On the palate it is fresh, crisp and silky, with a hint of residual sugar that contributes to texture more than sweetness. It would be excellent with Southeast Asian spicy food. New Zealand Wine Rater: Intense, metallic and powerful nose, with penetrating aromas of nettles, Thai basil, passion‑fruit blossom, nectarine and lemon zest, with notes of rubbed phosphorus. Concentrated, powerful and tasty wine, with exuberant citrus fruit, focused texture, firm acidity and a long, dry, stony finish. James Suckling: Vibrant nose of bramble, lime, passion fruit and guava. Medium body with an intense, fruity palate full of flavour. Mature, tropical finish. Drink now. Screw cap. Falstaff: Immediate and vivid presence of white currant and passion fruit on the nose. There are notes of pea shoots and a slight touch of smoke. On the palate, the fruit explodes against a highly textured, full and concentrated body. Sweet citrine—think tangerine with a touch of lime—dominates, while vibrant tropical notes stand out. It is a rich, rounded and very expressive wine with enough structure to age. Awards 95/100 – Cameron Douglas MS 95/100 – Decanter World Wine Awards 94/100 – Falstaff 93/100 – New Zealand Wine Rater 91/100 – CellarTracker 90/100 – Wine Enthusiast Allergen information Contains sulfites. SKU: 105365