Jamie Marfell, Stoneleigh winemaker
Following the successful launch of its wild fermented wine range in September 2015, Stoneleigh is releasing its Wild Valley Chardonnay 2015, to complement the existing Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Stoneleigh Wild Valley is the epitome of minimal intervention winemaking, with the wines fermented by yeast that occur naturally in the stone-studded Stoneleigh vineyards.
Jamie Marfell, Stoneleigh winemaker, said “With all Stoneleigh wines, we are looking to minimise the winemaker intervention to allow the distinctive flavours of our vineyard to express themselves. With Wild Valley we take this one step further, using only yeasts that occur naturally in the vineyard environment. This allows the wines to develop layers of complexity and texture, while still retaining the distinctive fruit-forward flavours expected from Stoneleigh wines.”
Grapes from the stone studded vineyards in the Rapaura sub-region of Marlborough were gently pressed, with the free-run juice being reserved for the Stoneleigh Wild Valley Chardonnay 2015. The juice was then allowed to ferment naturally, with around half fermenting in French oak barrels.
The Stoneleigh Wild Valley Chardonnay 2015 exhibits the rich, textural palate that is a signature of this wild fermented range. The wine has aromas of nectarine, peaches, citrus and cream, with toasty oak notes. The well-structured palate has peach, citrus and caramel flavours, with an oaky complexity and a soft, creamy finish.
Stoneleigh Wild Valley Chardonnay 2015 will be available from leading retailers from March 2016 with a RRP of $18.99.
