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d'Arenberg launches Stump Jump range - 11/08/2009

Never one to sit still, Chester Osborn and his d'Arenberg team have extended the Stump Jump range, partly in response to changing demand in the current economic climate. Four brand new wines will be hitting store shelves and wine lists around the country in coming weeks with the extension of the Stump Jump range.

The Stump Jump Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Lightly Wooded Chardonnay and Sticky Chardonnay, join the existing white and red blends introduced in 1999. The label carries the d'Arenberg crest, but the famous red stripe is replaced by an optometrist's eye-chart inspired design, which doubles as a makeshift sobriety test.

"If you hold the bottle at an arms length and can still read the bottom line you are allowed to have another glass," says Chief Winemaker Chester Osborn. "Of course, this should not be considered a test of blood alcohol for the purpose of driving a vehicle, working machinery or developing a coherent and sound argument!"

Chester Osborn says the Stump Jump Range is a result of market demand for more d'Arenberg wines at lower price points. "A lot of people recount to me that during their University days in the 60s and 70s they purchased d'Arenberg flagons because they were well made, reliable and affordable. Although we're not going back to flagons, the theory remains the same. We are making affordable wines that still say something about where they are from, their respective varieties and the d'Arenberg style."

Fruit from McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills is crushed in a gentle rubber toothed crusher before being basket pressed in stainless steel baskets designed and made at the winery using a method pioneered in the d'Arenberg cellars.

"These new, single varietal wines are fresh and fun, but retain enough complexity and regionality to say something about the d'Arenberg style," Chester said. "Cheaper wines do not have to be boring or one dimensional, wine should never be that, regardless of the price tag."

About the last thing we'd expect from Chester is "boring or one dimensional", and just like his legendary shirts, these flavour-packed McLaren vale beauties are going to brighten up any bar, restaurant or shop they appear in.