TRIED & TESTED: FOUR FINEST NEW ZEALAND WINES

New Zealand’s Villa Maria has again been named one of the world’s most admired wine brands by Drinks International. Here are four of the estate’s best:

1. VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 (£8, Tesco) The Marlborough wine region put New Zealand savvy blanc on the map and this pungent, zesty style leaps from the glass with its gooseberry, passionfruit, citrus, melon and herbaceous aromas. Crisp and juicy. 2. VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN PINOT NOIR 2016 (£12, Morrisons) A plush pinot with all the hallmarks of Marlborough pinot noir, this rich red draws you in with fruity aromatics.

It also displays succulent red cherry and berry flavours, spice, wild herbs, savoury elements and fine tannins. It’s easy to see why the familyowned estate wines are so prized. 3. VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN RIESLING 2017 (£8.99, Majestic) Riesling thrives in Marlborough where the near perfect growing conditions produce wines with a mixed bouquet of heady florals, juicy grapefruit and mandarin flavours with a hint of ginger spice and balanced acidity. 4. VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN PINOT GRIGIO 2017 (£10.99, Waitrose) If you’re in the mood for a pinot grigio, this off-dry style with aromas of pear, red apples and honeysuckle with a rich, textured palate reflects Villa Maria’s generously flavoursome wines. The ‘Most Admired Wine Brand’ list is operated by Drinks International, compiled annually by polling industry experts.