If you’ve paid any attention to us here at Sydney Social 101 then you know that one of the things we love most in the world is, you guessed it, wine. And we bet you do too which is lucky cos our mates at New Zealand’s leading wine brand, Stoneleigh, want to give away some bottles of their new and distinctly different range, Stoneleigh Wild Valley™ !
When Stoneleigh told us about their new wild-fermented range we have to admit we were a little bemused; wild, tame – what difference does it make so long as it tastes good? So we were lucky to be invited along to a special afternoon to have the idea explained to us and explore the theory behind the range in more depth.
We started out being introduced to the concept of foraging out in the wilds of West Sydney (well, the Parklands) with the scarily smart and irrepressible professional forager, Diego Bonetto. It was astonishing just how quickly he spotted edible plants simply growing wild which he picked and we sampled right then and there! From the obvious garlic and mint to dandelion and rambling dock, parks, railway sidings and scrublands can be a treasure trove if you know what you’re looking for. But that’s the key – enthusiastic amateurs should not try and eat any old plant as many can be mixed up with poisonous items. If you’re keen then book on a tour with Diego, you won’t regret it.
Hungry from our foraging we were then taken to the fabulous city restaurant The Morrison to meet chef and Stoneleigh Wild Valley ambassador, Sean Connolly. Taking inspiration from Diego’s finds, the amiable Sean whipped up a fresh 3 course meal in front of us using some of the ingredients we found and while he was cooking, Jamie Marfell, Stoneleigh winemaker, guided us through a tasting of four of the Stoneleigh wines: a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Noir in both the traditional and Wild Valley form. And that was an eye opener.
As Jamie explained, the Wild valley wines are fermented thanks to indigenous yeasts that are naturally present in Stoneleigh’s vineyards in the Rapaura sub-region of Marlborough. “The resulting wines maintain the wine style that people expect from Stoneleigh, with bright, clean fruit flavours, but the real gold is in the palate which, thanks to the wild fermentation, is much more rounded and textured, with rich, complex flavours.”
And it really did make a difference; it was quite obvious even to my amateur palette that the Wild Valley versions were much more complex and layered but somehow softer and much more drinkable. In particular, the Sauvignon Blanc was seriously delicious. To those of you who either say they don’t like Sauv Blanc or have grown bored of it lately, I’d say – try Wild Valley. You’ll be surprised; there’s none of that shrillness you sometimes get.
And even better is how the wines showcase food. As Sean Connolly said: “Wild fermentation is a trend that has been on the rise in recent years. Due to the complexity of flavours in the wines, they complement a range of cuisines”. The trout he prepared for us was especially well matched but the doughnut holes didn’t do too badly either!
So now you know about Stoneligh Wild Valley wines , you’ll want to try them!
To win a set of Wild Valley Pinot Noir and Sauvingon Blanc, like our Facebook page and comment below in 25 words or fewer on why you deserve to win!
We will announce the winners on this page on Monday 30th November at 8pm.
If you can’t wait then why not head to the pop up Stoneleigh experience, No 50, hidden in North Sydney? Details on how to book a tour are here: http://sydneysocial101.com/drinks-101-wine-tasting-at-stoneleigh-no-50/ Hurry – it closes at the end of this week!
Visit www.stoneleigh.co.nz for more information on Stoneleigh wines in general.
Stoneleigh Wild Valley wines will be available from leading retailers from 2nd September 2015 with a RRP of $21.99.
Just like Sydney Social I too love all things wine and would love to sample Stoneleighs collection. My ultimate goal in life is to own my own winery where I will bottle enough to sell and of course my own collection. Until that happens I am will continue to find the perfect “blend” one bottle at a time!
Congratulations Breehan! Please email clare@sydneysocial101.com to claim your prize!
As a wine drinker I like to find a new favourite for over the summer months, currently looking, could this be it??
This is perfect to share with family and friend over the upcoming festive period.
Neighbours shagging every night
Squeaking bed is a fright.
Please oh please rescue me
From this insanity
Send me wine to escape my plight
I want to win because I love a good white wine with a beautiful peace of fresh snapper or oysters.
Because I love to watch the sunset with some wine
From a Wild Valley and like the wine itself, the woman I would share this with is “A Wonder of Nature.”
Congratulations Timothy! Please email clare@sydneysocial101.com to arrange your prize.