Villa Maria Seddon Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

A Pinot Noir from the Marlborough sub-district of Seddon — more concentrated and structured than most wines from this region because the Awatere Valley is cooler and windier than the Wairau Valley.

Villa Maria was founded in 1961 by George Fistonich in Auckland and is now one of New Zealand's most famous wineries. The Seddon vineyard is located on the south bank of the Awatere River on barren, gravelly loam soil — conditions that favor low yields and dense fruit. For the single-vineyard line, the grapes are vinified separately and aged in French barriques.

In the glass, the wine shows aromas of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of pomegranate, underpinned by a fine spiciness from the wood aging — subtle notes of cedar wood and dark chocolate. The texture is silky, the acidity lively without sharpness, the tannins fine-grained. Medium-long, slightly spicy finish.

• Food: Lamb rack with herb crust, mushroom risotto, aged Pinot Noir-style cheese like Époisses or Camembert
• Temperature: 16–17 °C