Villa Maria launches organic wine range

With an aim to become entirely organic by 2030, New Zealand estate Villa Maria has dipped its toe into the arena with the launch of its first organic wine range.

Called Earth Garden, the 100% BioGro certified range was created in response to a rapidly rising consumer demand for organic wines.

Due to launch in New Zealand on 1 March and in the UK in late April, the range includes a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Hawke’s Bay rosé 2020, Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019, and Hawke’s Bay Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. In the UK the wines will be priced between £13.99 and £16.38.

“The global organic wine market was forecasted last year to grow 43% by 2024, and New Zealand’s NZ$2 billion wine industry is well positioned to capitalise on this trend,” said Matt Deller MW, Villa Maria’s chief global sales and marketing officer.

Fiona Mottershaw, brand controller at Hatch Mansfield, added: “We are thrilled to be launching this significant new organic range from Villa Maria.

“With the environment an ever more pressing consideration in all of our minds, the time couldn’t be more perfect to start showcasing the work that Villa Maria has been doing, for many years to put sustainability at the heart of the business.”

Villa Maria’s viticulturalist, Hannah Ternent, said that taking an organic approach helps to accentuate the flavour profile of the estate’s wines.

“Organic farming accentuates flavour in other natural produce such as fruits and vegetables, and it’s the same for wine.

“Wines made from organically grown grapes have more intense flavours. When you taste the Earth Garden wines, you taste the care put into the soil, the careful handling of the fruit and the respect for our relationship with the land.

“Each year we plant wildflower seeds in the vineyards, which create vibrant rows full of flowers, bees and insects that encourage a flourishing ecosystem. We are motivated to further enhance the health of our soils and environment so we can reap the rewards of beautiful fruit for years to come. Earth Garden encapsulates these principles and what we’re striving to achieve,” she said.

The estate is also striving to lower its carbon emissions through the supply chain. All of its packaging is sourced within 22km of the estate, and the wines are housed in New Zealand-made bottles with an average of 69% recycled glass.

The Earth Garden range will be distributed in the UK by Hatch Mansfield. An in-depth look at sustainable practices within the NZ wine industry will appear in the March issue of the drinks business.