Reserve Pinot Noir Marlborough

The Reserve Pinot Noir Marlborough is Villa Maria 's purist Pinot Noir study – the winery founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, which has shaped New Zealand's wine scene like no other. The grapes come from three carefully selected key sites: two vineyards in the Southern Valleys of the Wairau Valley on deep, clay soils, and one vineyard in the cooler Awatere Valley on exposed, windblown silty loess soil – a contrast that gives the wine its unique balance of concentration and freshness.

The grapes are hand-picked, fermented in small open fermenters with spontaneous yeasts, punched several times a day and then aged for 14 months in French barriques – with 35% new wood, which gives the wine depth without dominating it.

In the glass, a bright, transparent cherry red. The nose opens seductively with aromas of red and black cherries, plum, and blossoms, underpinned by spice notes, fine sandalwood, and a hint of toasted oak. On the palate, it is delicate, juicy, and complex, with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish.

Served at 14–16 °C with 13.5% ABV, aging potential until 2030. A natural accompaniment to wild boar, duck breast, mushroom risotto and aged soft cheese – Burgundian inspired, New Zealand at its heart.