Capsule x Villa Maria
Villa Maria’s resident wine expert Jess Bell takes us through the perfect wine pairing for the season. Take away the worries and enjoy the special little moments only the silly season can provide!
The last three-and-a half-months have been a journey to say the least, and the next few months are bound to be jam-packed with so many of us making up for lost time with our nearest and dearest. Life is about to get BUSY people, so I’ve done (some) of the hard work for you and sorted out the perfect wine matches for the perfect moments to elevate your silly season. Enjoy!
Putting the Christmas tree up: Go for something rich, juicy and ‘Christmassey’
What do you mean, it’s almost Christmas?! How can a year go so fast and so slow at the same time? All I know is right now, we all need that extra burst of joy in our lives that twinkly lights and sparkly baubles can provide.
There’s zero judgement from me when you decide to decorate – whether it was back in October or you’re counting down the days. Decorating is a time to imagine we’re in the Northern Hemisphere, for pretending it’s freezing cold (I mean it might be, you never know with our weather). Pour a big glass of red, put Love Actually on in the backgroundand for the 20th time discover that love actually is all around.
Perfectly paired with: Villa Maria EarthGarden Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
It may be sunny and bright outside but drinking an ice-cold Sauv doesn’t have the same effect when trying to feel the seasonal warm and fuzzies- so your tree trimming can really only be accompanied by our Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon. This ravishing, rich wine is soft and generous and full of dark fruits, cocoa, and clove spices. It’s essentially love in a glass. I told you, it really is all around!
The classic end-of-year BYO with your closest friends – try the modern classic!
I didn’t want to bring up the ‘picnic’ word, yet here I am. With lost time to catch up on, throw a potluck, BYO or Friendmas with
your mates to keep things as easy as possible so you can focus on the being together again. No one needs the added stress of preparing a full degustation right now, so it’s time to bring back the time-honoured Kiwi tradition of bringing a plate – and a bottle! With a likely smorgasbord of food items, a bottle of Rosé should do the trick with its diversity and deliciousness!
Perfectly paired with: Villa Maria Private Bin Rosé
This Rosé has the aesthetics box ticked with its beautiful salmon pink colour and delicious, summery flavours to match – think bright florals with strawberry, red fruits and spice. It’s refreshingly dry which is a win if it’s an early afternoon shindig!
The slightly awkward family dinner you have to attend because, you know, family – Pinot, the way to smooth over any situation!
We all know that this is the time of year for big family get-togethers which can sometimes be stressful enough – add in the tensions
of the year that has been and it may be at a record high. Take this chance to lighten the mood, avoid talking about politics and show sophistication in its finest form by bringing a fine bottle of New Zealand Pinot Noir to pair with your meal.
Perfectly paired with: Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir is IT! With elegance and surprising body, it’s a true highlight of the Marlborough region. This drop is perfect for every palate with ripe juicy blackberries and blueberries with hints of baking spices. It is utterly harmonious and balanced – take those vibes into the family gathering!
Looking ahead to 2022 – go with a fresh and juicy option!
I’ve always been sceptical of the ‘new year, new me’ rhetoric. That being said I’m all about reflecting on what has been and being inspired by cheesy affirmations for the year ahead. One of my favourite quotes that emerges every New Year is “What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.” So if you’re bringing a glass of Villa Maria Pinot Gris, it sounds like 2022 could be on the right track!
Perfectly paired with: Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Gris
Unlike 2020 and 2021, this wine will leave a lovely taste in your mouth. This Pinot Gris has fresh and intense pear, red apple and honeysuckle. You know what they say, end the year the way you intend to start the next. This wine is sexy, it’s sophisticated, it’s fun – it’s #hotgirlsummer in a glass. Need I say more?
Been around people too much and need some me time? – look for the zest!
After so long with limited contact with those we love, it can be overwhelming to be surrounded by people again! It’s important to
understand we need our time to ourselves to recuperate to be on our freshest form, and what better way to achieve this than with a zesty glass of Sauvignon!
Perfectly paired with: Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
This Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant and bright with aromas of fresh herbs and spring blossoms. It’s an adventure for the senses with bursting flavours of grapefruit, lemons, and limes. Deliciously drinkable, this lively wine helps us experience so many of the summer seasonal joys in a glass.
Cheers – and make every moment count this summer!
