{"title":"Hawkes Bay Wines","description":"\u003cp\u003eHawke’s Bay is a leading \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/new-zealand-wines\" title=\"New Zealand Wines\"\u003eNew Zealand\u003c\/a\u003e wine region known for its warm climate, gravel soils and acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay. Its coastal influence, diverse sub regions and long winemaking history create elegant, expressive wines that highlight the quality and character of New Zealand’s North Island.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"wildsong-organic-sauvignon-blanc-75cl","title":"Wildsong Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2022 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eWildsong Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant organic expression of Sauvignon Blanc from Hawke's Bay, grown on ancient river terraces formed by the Ngaruroro River. The vineyard's unique geology—greywacke boulders and gravels topped with windblown loess, volcanic ash, and humus from ancient forests—imparts intense fruit character and crisp, refreshing acidity. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel and older French oak barriques, followed by four to eight months on yeast lees. The result is a lively, structured wine bursting with nectarine, grapefruit, and rockmelon notes, finishing long and elegantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is certified organic Sauvignon Blanc from Hawke's Bay's ancient river terraces. The vineyard's unique geology—greywacke boulders and gravels topped with windblown loess, volcanic ash, and humus from ancient forests—creates exceptional terroir. Hand-harvested grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel and older French oak barriques to enhance fruit intensity and texture. Extended maturation on yeast lees for four to eight months adds complexity and richness to the palate. Winemakers Rod McDonald and Sophie Harris focus on producing expressive, terroir-driven wines that capture the distinctive character of their vineyard sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMeet the Producer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWildsong is a Hawke's Bay winery dedicated to organic, terroir-driven wines. Winemakers Rod McDonald and Sophie Harris focus on producing expressive, high-quality wines that capture the distinctive character of their vineyard sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes are hand-picked to preserve integrity and gently pressed. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel and older French oak barriques to enhance fruit intensity and texture. Extended maturation on yeast lees for four to eight months adds complexity and richness to the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale straw in colour, with aromas of nectarine, grapefruit, rockmelon, and a lift of lime zest. The palate is generous and flavoursome, with vibrant acidity and a long, elegant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFood Match\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect with seafood, fresh salads, or lightly spiced dishes. Also excellent with grilled fish or light pasta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrape Variety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSauvignon Blanc\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Te Awanga","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51250802229591,"sku":"117746","price":17.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0899\/6824\/7127\/files\/xxl_8200-wildsong-sb.jpg?v=1753185626"},{"product_id":"wildsong-organic-pinot-gris-75cl","title":"Wildsong Organic Pinot Gris 2022 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eWildsong Pinot Gris is a beautifully expressive organic white from Hawke's Bay, showcasing the purity and brightness that define this coastal region. Sourced from the sustainably farmed Maraekakaho Vineyard, planted on ancient river terraces formed by the Ngaruroro River, this wine captures both the richness of the alluvial soils and the freshness of the maritime climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is certified organic Pinot Gris from Hawke's Bay's renowned Maraekakaho Vineyard. Planted on ancient river terraces with stony, greywacke-rich soils, the vineyard benefits from warm days and cool nights that enhance aromatic precision. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal purity and freshness. The wine then spends 4–8 months on yeast lees to build texture and complexity. Winemaker Rod McDonald crafts wines with minimal intervention to reflect the vineyard's natural balance and vitality, creating expressive, fruit-driven wines that embody a true sense of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMeet the Producer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWildsong is part of Rod McDonald Wines, a certified organic producer in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. The wines are crafted with minimal intervention to reflect the vineyard's natural balance and vitality. Winemaker Rod McDonald focuses on creating expressive, fruit-driven wines that embody a true sense of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrapes were harvested from the stony, greywacke-rich terraces of the Maraekakaho Vineyard, benefiting from warm days and cool nights that enhance aromatic precision. After gentle pressing, fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal purity and freshness. The wine then spent 4–8 months on yeast lees to build texture and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAromas of lychee, waxy florals, and white-fleshed peach lead into a complex palate of fresh pear, apple, and subtle spice. A steely undertone and crisp acidity balance the generous fruit, finishing long and vibrant with a touch of ginger spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFood Match\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect served chilled on its own, or alongside spicy Asian dishes, roast chicken, creamy pasta, or seared fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrape Variety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinot Gris\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Te Awanga","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51250915836247,"sku":"119737","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0899\/6824\/7127\/files\/xxl_11223-wildsong-pinot-gris.jpg?v=1753187562"},{"product_id":"villa-maria-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon-merlot-75cl","title":"Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2016 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis classic blend is a stunning example from the Gimblett Gravels region. Deeply coloured, the 2016 vintage has produced a fragrant wine, brooding with dark plum, cassis and complex dried herb notes. Fine tannins complete this elegant wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/villa-maria\" title=\"Villa Maria Wines\"\u003eVilla Maria Wines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Villa Maria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51250964955479,"sku":"120064","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0899\/6824\/7127\/files\/xxl_11679-villa-maria-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon-merlot.jpg?v=1753187944"},{"product_id":"villa-maria-keltern-vineyard-single-vineyard-chardonnay-75cl","title":"Villa Maria Keltern Vineyard Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/villa-maria\" title=\"Villa Maria Wine\"\u003eVilla Maria\u003c\/a\u003e Keltern Vineyard Chardonnay is a wine from one of New Zealand's premier Chardonnay sites, with an impressive history of accolades. This release shows a brilliant straw and lime-tinted hue, with fragrant aromas of white nectarine, flint and subtle toasty complexity. The palate is sleek and tightly woven, gradually unfurling to a finish of length, precision and class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is single-vineyard Chardonnay at its finest—elegant, precise, and beautifully refined. The Keltern Vineyard, established in 1999, has earned a reputation as one of New Zealand's premier Chardonnay sites, consistently producing wines of distinction. Its unique location and meticulous viticulture have made it synonymous with premium Chardonnay in New Zealand. The result is a wine with exceptional finesse, concentration and ageing potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVineyard \u0026amp; Production\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSituated east of Maraekakaho in Hawke's Bay, the vineyard lies directly in the path of cool mountain air currents, moderated by the Ngaruroro River. This inland site sits on an ancient riverbed of silt loams layered over red metal soils, scattered with large, free-draining gravel stones. These conditions create a distinctive terroir that contributes both finesse and concentration to the wines. The Chardonnay is fermented exclusively with indigenous yeasts in French barriques, 27% new, with the remainder one to two years old. It then matures for 10 months in barrel, developing texture, complexity and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis elegant Chardonnay displays a brilliant straw and lime-tinted hue. The nose is fragrant with aromas of white nectarine, flint and subtle toasty complexity. The palate is sleek and tightly woven, fine-boned yet powerful, carried by a taut structure and mineral precision. The finish is exceptionally long, showing length, precision and class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePerfect Pairings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA versatile food wine, perfect with seared turbot, grilled veal chops with wild mushrooms, lobster, scallops, or creamy pasta. Also excellent with roast chicken and refined seafood dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Blend\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% Chardonnay from Keltern Vineyard, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Villa Maria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51251040616791,"sku":"121084","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0899\/6824\/7127\/files\/xxl_13026-Villa-Maria-Keltern-Vineyard-Single-Vineyard-Chardonnay-75cl.jpg?v=1753189136"},{"product_id":"sileni-cellar-selection-merlot-75cl","title":"Sileni Cellar Selection Merlot 2021 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c!--StartFragment --\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSileni Cellar Selection Merlot, Hawke’s Bay is a classic, easy-drinking Merlot from New Zealand’s renowned Hawke’s Bay region, offering ripe fruit, supple texture, and a distinct sense of place rooted in the region’s gravelly soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMeet the producer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSileni Estates was founded in 1997 by Graeme Avery, whose long-standing passion for wine led to the creation of a modern, quality-focused winery in the heart of Hawke’s Bay. Named after the Sileni of Greek mythology—companions of Dionysus, the god of wine—the estate is committed to producing wines that are both enjoyable and expressive of their origin. Sustainable viticulture and careful site selection underpin their approach, with a focus on varietal clarity and regional character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation of this Merlot involves a combination of hand-plunging and pump-overs to enhance colour and build tannin structure. After a period of maceration on skins, the wine is gently pressed and transferred to oak barrels for maturation, allowing the fruit to integrate with subtle oak influence and develop depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a textbook Hawke’s Bay Merlot, with earthy undertones and a gently stalky edge that speaks to the region’s gravelly bedrock. The palate is soft yet serious, showing ripe plum, black cherry, and hints of spice, all wrapped in a smooth, balanced structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFood match\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect with spare ribs, rich pasta dishes, or braised beef. Its rounded texture and savoury notes also make it a fine match for grilled vegetables or mature cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrape\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot 100%\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Drink Finder","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52098824864087,"sku":"122605","price":15.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0899\/6824\/7127\/files\/Sileni-Cellar-Selection-Merlot-2021-75cl.jpg?v=1762355795"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.drinkfinder.co.uk\/collections\/hawkes-bay-wines.oembed","provider":"Drink Finder","version":"1.0","type":"link"}