White Wine Villa Maria Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020. Founded by Sir George Fistonich who started making wine aged 21 with just an acre of land leased from his father, Villa Maria has the distinction of being New Zealand’s most awarded winery with vineyards in both Auckland and Marlborough. Villa Maria was solely run by Sir George and his wife Gail up until the 1970s when they expanded rapidly. Today the winery exports to over 60 countries worldwide and grows some 28 different varieties. This charming Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Wairau valley vineyards in Marlborough. Conditions here are ideal for premium white winemaking thanks to the nearby Pacific Ocean which provides cooling breezes to moderate temperatures during the summer growing season. This helps to lock in freshness and aromatics, with the fruit normally left on the vine into the autumn to ensure it reaches full ripeness. Classic New Zealand Sauvignon notes of gooseberry, limes and freshly-cut grass dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering freshness and enticing citrus, lemongrass and fresh herb flavours which end in a pure, clean finish. Enjoy as an aperitif in the warmer months or pair with salads, sushi, fresh seafood, and cheeses.
2020
White Wine Villa Maria Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020
White Wine Weingut Birgit Eichinger Gaisberg Gruner Veltliner Erste Lage 2020. Birgit Eichinger winery has been operating from the outskirts of Strass village since 1992 when it was founded by the Kamptal native of the same name. Birgit knows the region and its terroir like the back of her hand and produces a delicious range of widely acclaimed Austrian white wines. The winery is recognised as one of Austria’s traditional wineries and is also a member of the 11 Women and Their Wines” collective. Birgit cultivates a variety of classic Austrian grapes on her 15 hectares, including parcels of Roter Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Riesling. However, the vast majority is given over to Grüner Veltliner, a Kamptal staple and a remarkably age-worthy white. A bouquet of yellow apple, citrus zest, honey, and a hint of tropical fruit emerges from this classic Grüner Veltliner. Gaisberg vineyards are considered to be among the best in the Kamptal region, exhibiting a variety of rich soils. The sandy loess in the lower eastern area is best suited for growing the Grüner Veltliner grape. It is a pleasure for the senses, enveloping the mouth in apricot, lemon and an elegant spiciness. There are elements of lime and miso in the aftertaste, leading into a long finish where the spices grow in intensity. Pair it with some traditional Austrian dishes, such as boiled beef or schnitzel.
2020
White Wine Zeni Lugana Marogne 2020. The Zeni family have been making wine near the eastern shore of Lake Garda since 1870. In the 1950s the visionary Gaetano Zeni decided to relocate the winery to the hills around Bardolino, and the property is now run by his children, Fausto, Elena and Federica. In addition to their 25 hectares of estate vineyards they also source fruit from trusted partner growers who they have been working with for decades. This crisp and elegant white is crafted from 100% Trebbiano di Lugano grapes from the southern shore of Lake Garda. It’s a beautiful expression of the local terroir where vines are planted on hilly plots on clay and limestone soils. The fruit is carefully harvested by hand with only the ripest bunches selected. In the winery there is a short maceration on the skins followed by fermentation and ageing on the lees in stainless steel tanks for 6-10 months. Bursting with ripe peaches, zesty citrus, hints of mandarins and floral notes, this light bodied white wine has a smooth, well-rounded texture, bright acidity, and a pure, clean finish. The balanced flavour profile makes it a great wine to match with seafood, grilled fish, roast chicken, or creamy cheeses.
2020