Wines Marlborough Stoneleigh - 2018

Stoneleigh’s red wines from Marlborough, particularly from the 2018 vintage, typically represent the modern New Zealand approach to winemaking, focusing on purity, vibrancy, and expressive fruit. While Marlborough is most famous for Sauvignon Blanc, its microclimates and alluvial soils have increasingly proven suitable for red varieties as well, most notably Pinot Noir. Expect this wine to be crafted with a focus on freshness and brightness—potentially offering a bouquet of ripe red berries such as cherry, raspberry, and plum, supported by subtle spice and a gentle touch of oak if used. The palate is likely to be medium-bodied, with a lively acidity underpinning the fruit, balanced by soft tannins that make it approachable in its youth.

Marlborough, located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is one of the country’s most renowned wine regions. Its success is owed to a cool maritime climate, plentiful sunshine hours, and pronounced diurnal temperature variation, all of which encourage a slow, even ripening of grapes. Marlborough’s soils are largely composed of free-draining alluvial gravel, encouraging vines to dig deep and produce concentrated, expressive fruit. The region's winemaking history, though relatively recent, has quickly gained international acclaim both for whites and increasingly for reds.

For food matches, a Marlborough dry red is wonderfully versatile. Should this wine be a Pinot Noir, it would pair delightfully with New Zealand lamb, duck breast, or dishes featuring wild mushroom and herbs. Dishes with roasted beetroot, salmon, or even a mild venison stew would also complement its style. Lighter, more delicate red meats or vegetarian dishes with earthy ingredients are excellent choices. To highlight local flavours, you might also explore pairing it with Kumara (sweet potato) gratin or grilled Portobello mushrooms.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally around 15-17°C. Decanting for around 30 minutes may help in opening up its aromatic profile, especially if youthful. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit, or cellar for a few more years to allow further complexity to develop.