Capsule x Villa Maria
Villa Maria’s resident wine expert Jess Bell takes us on an Epicurious adventure with the perfect wine pairings for life’s little moments.
There are SO many options when it comes to picking the perfect wine for the perfect occasion. It’s totally understandable to be a little overwhelmed when confronted with so much choice, but I’m here to walk you through my pairings for life’s little moments, from long-awaited catchups with mates, through to impressing your potential future in-laws!
Here’s my real girl’s guide to the perfect wine pairings you’ll actually use…
A wintery evening in lockdown – hello big red!
Well isn’t THIS match timely? We may be mere weeks away from Daylight Savings, but you bet I’m spending my evening watching the fake Netflix fire and imagining I’m inside a ski resort somewhere exotic instead of stuck at home. But in the spirit of making the best out of beating Covid-19 (#teamof5million) I’m more than happy to be all about comfort and cosy for a few weeks.
Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
This deep-coloured wine has great aromatics with layers of red and black plum, mingling with cassis, smoky roast coffee bean, dried thyme and complex cedary spice nuances. Essentially, it’s a fancy way of saying that this wine is all class, but also has the ability to feel like a great big hug from the inside out.
The chill catch-up with friends or flatmates? – Go with a New Zealand classic!
The day we’re all able to catch up in person will be cause for celebration– so go with something fun, zesty and full of flavour (and also one that will be a total crowd pleaser and match with all kinds of kai – click here for my wine and food matches)
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
This wine is intense and alive, bursting with a myriad of flavours dominated by gooseberry, passionfruit and fresh citrus – exactly the fun combination you’ll want when you finally have that big catch up with your mates!
The big meet with your partner’s parents for the first time – What’s the best way to impress? Pinot baby!
There’s nothing that quite shows off sophistication, elegance and poise like a Pinot, and even if you don’t possess any of these things you can totally bluff your way through with a good Pinot Noir. You can even show off by talking about how there’s so much more to New Zealand’s Pinot Noir scene than Central Otago, like the classy, cultured human you are.
Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir is everything you’ve ever wanted and more. Think fresh black cherries, red raspberries and a hint of floral notes, enough to intrigue the senses! The wine opens up with an inviting mixture of dark chocolate and juicy summer berries (I told you everyone would be a fan!) and it shows both purity and richness – just like how you’ve hopefully described yourself to your in-laws.
The return from holiday blues – go with a rosy option!
Ok you might have to pop this one in your back pocket for a while, but when things like holidays start again (SOON, right?!) keep one of these bad boys in the fridge for a nice post-vacation, pre back-to-work treat. No one likes to return to real life, so cushion the blow with a Rosé that’ll have you thinking that you’re anywhere else in the world.
Villa Maria EarthGarden Hawkes Bay Rosé
This organic Rosé is a showcase of summer-inspired aromas of blood-orange, rosehip and watermelon – perfect for when you’re stuck in your lounge staring at our wonderful New Zealand weather. It is rich and moreish, and finishes refreshingly dry, just like the European classics. Ah, Europe…
The reality tv binge – class it up with Chardonnay!
Got a text? Get a Chardonnay! Lots of us pretend that we’re better than reality TV, but who are we really kidding? Just call me Karen because with trash TV in front of me and cold glass of Chardonnay in my hand, my opinions are guaranteed to flow as free as the wine. You’ve been warned.
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Chardonnay
Classically Hawkes Bay in style, this Chardonnay reveals a fragrant nose of grilled peach and nectarine stone fruit, with complexing cashew characters from subtle French oak. A silken textured mouthfeel unfolds with layers of fruit and a little bit toasty – this wine is classy enough to balance out your trashy reality TV binge. You’re welcome!
