In 1961, at just 21 years of age, George leased five acres of land from his father in Mangere, Auckland and started off with just an acre of vines. He harvested his first grapes in 1962 and made his first wine under the name Villa Maria.
Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was a one-man band, with George’s wife, Gail, supporting him in his venture. He made dry red and white wines, sourcing grapes from the greater Auckland regions. In the early 1970s he started to employ staff and the company began to expand rapidly.
Today, Villa Maria employs more than 250 permanent staff and exports wine to over 50 countries worldwide.
The fruit for this wine was sourced from vineyards located across the Hawkes Bay region. An array of soil profiles combined with high sunshine hours and low rainfall make Hawkes Bay New Zealand's 'home' to the French Bordeaux variety Merlot. A significant portion of the final blend was grown in Villa Maria vineyards in close proximity to Gimblett Road. The free draining gravelly soil here has a devigourating effect on vines and results in red wines with enhanced structure, flavour and colour.
This wine exhibits rich blackberry and raspberry notes on the nose, leading to a palate packed with juicy red cherry and cedar spice with an underlying tobacco character.
Your gift includes:
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Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot 750ml |
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A Little Luxury Presentation Gift Box |
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