Villa Maria Verdelho Ihumatao 08#

Villa Maria ‘Single Vineyard – Ihumatao’ Verdelho 2008 (18.5+/20), at 14.5% alc, and 3.3 g/l rs, this came from fruit from the Ihumatao vineyard, Manukau, 55% fermented and aged in 2 y.o. French oak for 6 months. Straw yellow in colour, this possessed a shy nose of solid, tropical fruit aromas with straw hints. Dry on palate, this was a wine with power, weight and warmth, hinting at exotic fruit, some alcohol noticeable. Balanced acidity completed the wine, making it an accessible and richer style.  RC Apr 10

Responsible for the classic fortified wines of Madiera, the Verdelho variety also makes fascinating, thirst-quenching, dry white table wines with distinctively aromatic tropical fruit and citrus characters and lively acidity. This style is perfect with seafood.  This ‘Single Vineyard’ wine from the Ihumatao site in Manukau, Auckland, in front of the home Villa Maria Estate winery has recently won gold and trophy at the 2010 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. It is a dry and beautifully textured example. 14.5% alc, 3.3 g/l residual sugar, partial wild yeast ferment, 55% in seasoned oak, with lees stirring.  RC March 10

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