Champion Pinot Gris Title an Honour for Stoneleigh

The team at Stoneleigh Wines was ‘honoured’ to have their Latitude Pinot Gris 2021 named the Label & Litho Champion Pinot Gris of this year’s Marlborough Wine Show.

Stoneleigh Assistant Winemaker Maddy Isaacs says the award is testament to the focus and commitment their team put into craft and quality from vineyard to bottle to make a wine they are particularly proud of.

“We love this ripe, opulent style of Pinot Gris, and we’re so delighted with the judges’ recognition,” she says.

The wine was made using grapes sourced predominantly from their own Squire Vineyard, home to their stoniest alluvial soils which in turn grow some powerfully concentrated fruit.

It was partially fermented in seasoned oak cuves, building in texture and savoury notes, while the stainless steel portion ensured the retention of pure fruit flavours in the finished product.

Award sponsor Label & Litho General Manager Thomas Kaffes says sponsoring the Marlborough Wine Show enables them in turn to support many of their customers.

“We have some long term Marlborough wine customers that support us, and we support them … We also like to give back to the industry as a way of thanking them for the confidence and support they show in us, and to encourage innovation and excellence,” he says.

“We love working with the industry as they present us with unique designs, challenges and great satisfaction when we have partnered with a winery and they receive a top award. It makes us proud.”