Villa Maria, Private Bin Marlborough Sauvingon Blanc 2014, New Zealand
Sometimes really successful wine brands can become almost invisible – their sheer familiarity making them fade into the background. Whilst many big brand wines deserve their place in the shadows, there are some that turn out consistently good wines. Villa Maria is one of them. The fun thing about this brand new release of the best selling Sauvignon Blanc is that it’s also a 2014 vintage: in Europe grapes are still ripening on the vine, but in the southern hemisphere the harvest happened six months ago. It’s classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with a hugely punchy character, loads of pea-shoot and tropical fruit vivaciousness on the nose, and a big fruity palate too, the notes of peach, mango and lychee swallowed up by a raft of pithy grapefruit and lemon acidity. Although its recommended retail price is 10.99, it’s very easy to buy for between 7.45 and 8.00 in major retailers including The Co-operative, Tesco, Majestic and Waitrose. Watch the video for more information, more stockists and food matching ideas and see all stockists on .
