Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
75cl * Organic * 13.0% ABV * Hawkes Bay , New Zealand
Committed to producing fully organic and biodynamic wine by 2030, Villa Maria, the first and largest winery in New Zealand has, despite having organic certification since 2012, only released it's first organic range of wine - EarthGarden - in 2021. Wildflower gardens flourish between the vineyard rows and regenerative viticulture is employed to keep New Zealand’s soils healthy and ecosystems thriving and to protect the land for future generations.
The Hawkes Bay 2019 vintage followed an incredible summer, reds in particular enjoyed superb conditions for ripening. This is a wine rich in colour and flavour with the depth of character that organic viticulture brings. The Merlot (68%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (32%) blend leads to a wine with a deep purple hue and a perfumed nose of dark fruits. These ripe black stone fruits are complemented by cocoa, sweet vanilla and clove spices from 18 months spent in oak barriques, 25% new. The full-bodied palate is soft and generous with silky tannins, juicy balance and a smooth finish.
Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blends are particularly good when paired with robust, full flavoured dishes, both with red meat and without.
Bronze 2019 Vintage Awarded: 2021
Drinking Window 2023 - 2025