Select clones of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir vines (Abel, 777, 115) were planted in 2003 on the 20 acre vineyard site, on the edge of an ancient river bed. As the river changed its course during geological upheavals, blocks of greywacke, a grey sandstone, were deposited creating stony, free-draining, alluvial soils on the renowned Dry River Road.
Click here to listen to the unique sound of the NZ Tui bird.
Sustainability
Stonecrop is a member of the New Zealand Sustainable Winegrowing program. The practice of Sustainable Winegrowing helps to improve vineyard performance with a focus on the conservation of natural resources, including using natural methods to control pests and diseases, which means a reduction of chemicals and sprays, creating a healthy environment for soil and vines resulting in the production of the best quality grapes possible.
Martinborough’s Cool Maritime Climate
Martinborough has one of the longest growing seasons in New Zealand (from flowering to harvest) other beneficial climatic drivers include a rain shadow created by the Rimutaka and Tararua ranges (Martinborough has the lowest rainfall on the North Island) and one of New Zealand’s largest diurnal temperature differentials (the temperature between day and night). Naturally breezy conditions help reduce disease pressure, combine that with a golden settled ripening season and the result is low-yeilding grapes with great intensity of flavor.
This unique climatic force creates the perfect conditions to produce Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines with great flavor and complexity.
