COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2025
GRAPE
Riesling
PRODUCER
Stoneleigh Vineyards
REGION
Marlborough
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Off-dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Stoneleigh Vineyards, located in the Rapaura sub-region of Marlborough's Wairau Valley on New Zealand's South Island, is renowned for its unique terroir. The vineyards are planted on a prehistoric riverbed characterized by deep, stony loam, where distinctive white river stones, known as 'sunstones,' absorb daytime heat and radiate it back at night. This microclimate promotes faster ripening and concentrates the vibrant tropical and citrus flavors characteristic of their Riesling. The winery operates under a philosophy of 'started by nature, finished by minimal intervention.' The 2025 vintage marks a significant transition, being the first produced under the ownership of Vinarchy, a new global wine company formed after the acquisition of Pernod Ricard's international wine division. Stoneleigh is committed to sustainable practices, holding certification from Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), with a focus on biodiversity and native plantings. Chief Winemaker Jamie Marfell, who has led the winery since 2002, aims to translate Marlborough's unique soils into pure fruit expression.
ALCOHOL
11.0%
AVG. PRICE
€12
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
7-10°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The 'sunstones' in Stoneleigh's vineyards absorb heat and release it at night, aiding grape ripening.
Fact 02
The 2025 vintage is the first produced under new ownership by Vinarchy.
Fact 03
Stoneleigh is 100% certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ).
Fact 04
The wine is bottled in lightweight glass, reducing carbon emissions by 30%.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Stoneleigh Classic Riesling is crafted using a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the unique terroir to express itself. Grapes are cool-fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks with selected aromatic yeasts to maximize primary fruit expression. Fermentation is carefully halted early through temperature control to preserve the natural residual sugars, resulting in an off-dry style. The wine is aged for several months on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks to develop textural roundness before being filtered and bottled. This unoaked approach ensures the vibrant primary fruit characteristics and crisp acidity remain at the forefront. The winery also prioritizes environmental responsibility, utilizing lightweight glass bottles to reduce its carbon footprint.
