By James Atkinson
Stoneleigh has recently introduced a mid-tier Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir as exclusives to the independent retail and on-premise channels in Australia.
Wines under the Latitude label are sourced from Marlborough vineyards within an area dubbed the ‘Golden Mile’, known for outstanding grape growing conditions resulting in aromatically-lifted wines.
The current release includes the Latitude Sauvignon Blanc 2014 (pictured left), a portion of which was fermented in oak to add texture and weight.
"This 2014 vintage has produced a great example of this textural and weighty wine, with a flinty minerality to top it all off," says Stoneleigh winemaker Jamie Marfell (pictured below).
The Latitude Sauvignon Blanc should see Stoneleigh further capitalise on continued strong growth in the NZ Sauvignon Blanc category of almost six per cent a year.
NZ Sauvignon Blanc makes up 34.7 per cent of the Australian white wine market and Stoneleigh enjoys a 9.4 per cent share of the NZ Sauvignon Blanc segment.
Also in the new mid-tier range is the Latitude Pinot Noir 2013 (pictured right), which Marfell says captures the bright, rich, red berry fruit characters of the varietal, with a delicate palate structure showing both elegance and finesse.
"2013 was a fantastic growing season and is reflected in the fruit we received and the purity of the wine we have made. This wine comes from an iconic vintage, and will continue to develop beautifully in the bottle,” he says.
The Latitude wines are available through the Independent Brands Australia (IBA) and Independent Liquor Group (ILG) retail banners, as well as the on-premise channel
Also new in Australia is the Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2014, introduced off the back of strong consumer feedback at the Stoneleigh pop-up bars held in Sydney and Melbourne over the summer.