$15.99 at Crush Wine & Spirits in Bryant, Arkansas (AR)
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
Aromatic with flavors of pink grapefruit, lemongrass and fresh herbs. Acidic. Medium body. Dry and stony finish. The aromatics and flavors such as lemongrass, fresh herbs and fresh acidity are due to the grapes from the cooler climate in the Awatere Valley which experiences cool winds flowing down Mt. Tapuae-o-uenuku as well as the ocean breezes. The ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors are due to the grapes from the warmer Wairau Valley.
Since its beginning, Villa Maria has been family owned. Sir George Fistonich started the winery in 1961 when he leased five acres of land with one acre under vines from his father in Mangere, Auckland. He harvested his first grapes in 1962 and made his first wine under the name Villa Maria. Fistonich’s family came from a European culture where wine was important. His parents immigrated to New Zealand from Croatia in the 1920s. Growing up in South Auckland, before his wine career, Fistonich was a certified carpenter for five years.
In the 1960s, Villa Maria was Fistonich’s one-man operation supported by his wife, Gail. He sourced red and white wines from Auckland regions. Fruit-driven wines was always his focus. In 1969, Villa Maria was the first winery to employ female wine personnel in New Zealand.
The 1970s saw Fistonich hiring of staff employees and rapid expansion. Today Villa Maria has over 250 permanent staff and exports to over 50 countries. In 1979, Villa Maria was the first winery to launch reserve vines in New Zealand.
The 1980s was a pivotal decade. In 1984, Villa Maria was among the first in New Zealand to employ qualified viticulturists to increase grape quality. A year later, the winery was unable to keep up with its exploding growth going into debt of $4 million. Unfortunately, the winery resurged in 1986. In 1988, exports commenced.
Throughout the winery’s growth, Fistonich focused on the importance of regional differences in relation to grape quality and wine styles.
2000 – Villa Maria opened Marlborough winery.
2001 – Villa Maria became a cork-free zone. From the 2002 vintage on, only screw caps have been used. A risky decision at the time considering the possibility of losing overseas customers.
2005 – Villa Maria opened Auckland winery and vineyard park.
2009 – George Fistonich received the country’s first knighthood in the wine industry for his services to the New Zealand wine industry.
2012 – Villa Maria celebrated 50 years of winemaking.
In early 2018 after 57 years at the helm, Sir George handed over the reins of his winery to Abe Salt who has had years of experience in the world-wide wine industry. Fistonich continues as president and brand ambassador. Today his net worth is $160 million.
