Sustainable and vegan certified wine Stoneleigh of Marlborough and New Zealand’s no. 1 wine brand launches in the UK

Pernod Ricard UK is adding New Zealand’s No. 1 wine brand[1], Stoneleigh, to its already strong portfolio of wines. Due to hit shelves in March, Stoneleigh will launch with its most popular varietal, Classic Sauvignon Blanc, and is set to capitalise on the premium growth of New Zealand wines in the UK. Crafted by nature, having been ripened by sunstones for a uniquely vibrant taste, Stoneleigh is consciously grown, sustainably sourced and vegan certified.

Stoneleigh has a long-standing relationship and commitment to the environment and is proud to be on a sustainability journey. Its winegrowers use environmentally responsible and economically viable methods, grapes that are 100% Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand certified, and the brand’s winery produces and runs on 100% renewable energy. Stoneleigh is also bottled in lightweight glass, which has resulted in a 30% reduction in carbon emissions and reinforces Pernod Ricard’s commitment to Circular Making and Nurturing Terroir as part of its ‘Good Times from a Good Place’ 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap.

The cool climate, high sunshine hours and distinctive stone-studded Rapaura soils in Marlborough provide the ideal conditions for the brand’s signature varietal. Stoneleigh’s passion for nature inspires its minimal intervention winemaking techniques, which include allowing the various organisms that naturally occur in the soil to nourish its vines and the use of sun-charged stones to ripen the grapes, ensuring a natural ecosystem working in tandem with each other to offer a wine style that is fresh, crisp and rich in flavour.

Stoneleigh displays vibrant and punchy aromatics of grapefruit, white peach and passionfruit with a scattering of tropical stone fruits. It is best served lightly chilled matched with salads, grilled vegetables and delicate seafood like mussels, white meat dishes accented with fresh herbs and lemon, and tangy cheeses such as goats cheese. Stoneleigh won a silver award for its Sauvignon Blanc 2020 vintage at the recent Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters, reinforcing its quality credentials.

Launching in the super-premium segment of the growing New Zealand category at £10 RRP, Stoneleigh will continue to drive value into this fastest-growing segment of the market (+52.5% value sales)[2]. New Zealand is the leading Country of Origin for Sauvignon Blanc and has been the biggest contributor of growth in the Off-Trade wine category over the last 12 months.

Lucy Bearman, Wine Portfolio Director at Pernod Ricard UK, comments: “It is our core brand belief that a sustainable partnership with nature is what allows us to create our unique style of wine. Stoneleigh winegrowers rely on their natural environment to grow quality grapes, so not only does the wine have an impressive and unique flavour profile, it is a great sustainable choice. We’re excited to welcome Stoneleigh into our portfolio of brands, alongside Brancott Estate, as we strive to become the No. 1 New Zealand wine supplier in the UK. We have a comprehensive marketing plan to support the launch of this super-premium wine which will kick off from Spring this year.”

The launch will be supported by eye-catching point of sale in-store at the last three feet to drive standout, as well as PR and influencer activity that will engage with consumers. Stoneleigh will be available at an RRP of £10 and will launch in J Sainsbury’s in March, before hitting shelves in Asda in April.