Methode Traditionnelle

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic

Dessert Wine

Rose

Red Wine

Villa Maria Private Bin 2010 Marlborough Dry Riesling

The wine I have chosen to feature this week is Villa Maria's Private Bin, Marlborough Dry Riesling. Grapes for this wine were sourced from Villa Maria Riesling vineyards scattered throughout both the Awatere and Wairau valleys in Marlborough, producing a wine that is indicative of the whole province rather than a particular sub-region or single vineyard. Each of the vineyards were carefully managed to ensure they produced ripe, clean fruit.

The 2010 vintage experienced temperatures that were cooler than average, with regular rain until late February, before finally experiencing a long, warm, dry autumn. These factors combined to ensure excellent vine vitality plus fruit flavour concentration and balance at harvest.

The grapes were picked in the cool of the evening to ensure the fruit kept its flavour. Once harvested, each batch was lightly pressed and the juice was naturally settled, before being cool fermented with selected yeast strains. The ferment was assessed and stopped with cooling to help form a concentrated, yet dry styled Riesling. The resulting parcels were selected, balanced and stabilised prior to being bottled.

The resulting wine has a delicate bouquet of citrus and spring flowers. The citrus notes continue onto the palate with notes of lime and mandarin on the palate of this lightly bodied, dry white. There is a hint of sweetness in the flavour and also present are some underlying mineral notes. It is a nicely weighted wine, with a long, pleasant and refreshing finish. It will particularly appeal to those who love dry white wines.

I would recommend trying this wine with milder tasting seafood, but you could also try it with a mildly spiced Thai curry.

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (28/3/2011)

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