NAPA, Calif. – Delicato Family Wines, the sixth-largest wine supplier in the United  States3, announced today a long-term agreement with Pernod Ricard Winemakers to become the  exclusive importer of Stoneleigh in the United States and Caribbean. Based in Marlborough, Stoneleigh  is the number one wine brand in New Zealand and sold more than 794,000 9-liter cases globally  in 20194. 

“Stoneleigh is a global wine brand with a pedigreed history in Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and an established track record of strong consumer appeal,” commented Chris Indelicato, CEO of Delicato  Family Wines. “The addition of Stoneleigh to our Transcendent Fine Wine portfolio diversifies  Delicato’s range of ultra-premium and luxury offerings, and provides Delicato with a powerful entry  point into the fast-growing New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc category,” he continued. 

According to IRI, Sauvignon Blanc is the fastest-growing varietal in the US, up 29 percent in dollar sales  over the last 26 weeks5. Ultra-premium New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is outpacing this strong category  growth, with retail sales increasing 39 percent in the same period6.  

Bryan Fry, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, said: “With rich heritage, excellent  craftmanship and growing success internationally, we are excited to partner with Delicato Family  Wines to bring this award-winning wine brand to the US market, and capitalize on the growing  Sauvignon Blanc category. As Delicato is a family-run business with complementary values, we are  confident that Delicato will drive the Stoneleigh brand in the US market.” 

Said Chris Indelicato, “Pernod Ricard Winemakers is a global leader in New Zealand Sauvignon  Blanc with an outstanding reputation for quality. They also own substantial assets, such as pedigreed vineyards and top-flight winemaking facilities, that bring the authenticity, heritage and  scalability to Stoneleigh that will allow us to grow the brand into a category leader over time.” 

Read more at source: wineindustryadvisor

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