NEW Zealand has forged for itself, in the last 20 years, a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in the world. The Kiwis' ideal climatic conditions, modern techniques and meticulous concern for quality are now recognised round the globe. Though perhaps still best known for its stunning sauvignon blanc - Cloudy Bay became one of the wine world's most sought-after icons - New Zealand is working its magic with other grape varieties, too.

So when you combine New Zealand's undoubted qualities with the most popular grape in the world, you can expect some pretty racy chardonnay. And Villa Maria, one of the pioneer Kiwi wine producers and renowned for picking up international awards for quality, is right up there at the top of the game.

Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Chardonnay 2002 (Oddbins/Asda/Sainsbury's, é5.99) is sourced mainly from the Hawke's Bay region, with components from Marlborough and Gisborne for added complexity and offers aromas of pear, pineapple and melon with fresh tropical fruit on its slightly creamy palate. It's just fantastic with pasta.

Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Chardonnay 2002 (Threshers, é5.99) from New Zealand's South Island, comes fresh, aromatic and incredibly fruit-driven, displaying ripe melons and figs with mango-lime and spicy nectarine flavours.

The intense zestiness of the palate and long finish makes it a perfect partner with chicken and fish dishes.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Chardonnay, 2002 (Oddbins, é8.99) derives its enticing complexities from one third of the juice being fermented in new French oak barriques and another third in one and two year old oak. The final third is left unoaked to provide a fruit-driven style that produces a bouquet of apple and melon with the rich, tropical fruit palate rounded by creamy, nutty influences.

Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2002 (www.everywine.co.uk,

é9.99) offers wonderfully lifted citrus blossom, pear and fig aromas with white chocolate undertones. The palate displays explosive fruit flavours with mouth-filling opulence and a finely structured finish.

Now it's your turn: I have 52 bottles of Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Chardonnay 2002 -one for every single week of the year - waiting for one lucky winner who can tell me:

1. Is Hawke's Bay on the east coast or west coast of New Zealand?

2. Is Marlborough on the North Island or the South?

In addition, the winner will receive copies of the books Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon by the wine writer Chris Losh. One runner-up will receive copies of the books.

Put your answers on a postcard, with your name, address and daytime telephone number, and send it to Ray King, Villa Maria Competition, Food & Drink, PO Box 234, Manchester Evening News, 164 Deansgate, Manchester M60 2RG. Closing date is Friday, October 1. Tweet