Te Mata Estate Zara Viognier

Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognised wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards. Under the direction of John Buck, Te Mata Estate has, over nearly thirty years, produced a stunning array of red and white wines including famous labels such as Coleraine, Awatea cabernets/Merlots, Bullnose Syrah, Elston Chardonnay, Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc and Zara Viognier. In 2012 Te Mata Estate launched Estate Vineyards, a collection sourced exclusively from their own vineyards and blended to represent the best qualities of their variety.

Since 1995, Te Mata Estate has led the way with New Zealand's production of Viognier (vee-on-yay) an exotic grape from France's Rhone Valley. Zara is affectionately named after Zara Buck, the first born child of the third generation of Te Mata Estate's Buck family.

Vineyards

Fully ripe Viognier grapes were hand harvested in several passes across the sloping, middle terrace of Te Mata Estate's Woodthorpe Terraces vineyard.

Vinification

The individually handled ferments were blended to enhance the wine's varietal complexity. The finished wine was fined and bottled.

Tasting Notes

Bright gold, Zara is unprecedented in its level of complexity and texture. Luscious aromas of white peach and white flowers give way to a soft, flowing palate of exotic mandarin, apricots, hazelnuts with hints of lavender and honeysuckle. Powerful yet restrained, luxurious yet subtle, Zara fully delivers on New Zealand's oldest Viognier vines and an exceptional Hawke's Bay vintage. Voluptuous Viognier, Zara is a shining star.