Flagship NZ Syrah producer joins Armit

One of New Zealand’s leading Syrah producers, Stonecroft, has joined UK merchant Armit Wines.

Dermot McCollum and Andria Monin

The 10ha vineyard, on the North Island’s famous Gimblett Gravels, is reputed to be the first to commercially produce Syrah in New Zealand and the nursery established by founder Dr Alan Limmer in the 1980s was the source of nearly all of the country’s early Syrah plantings.

Now run by Dermot McCollum and Andria Monin, two thirds of the vineyards are now worked organically with the final third in conversion.

Jacques-Etienne le Clerc, Buyer at Armit Wines, said: “When I first tried Stonecroft, I was impressed by the elegance and the style of the wines, as well as Dermot and Andria’s determination to produce wines with a strong sense of place. Stonecroft is a fantastic addition to Armit’s portfolio and we are very pleased to be able to constantly source some of the finest wines in the world.”

Andria Monin, co-owner at Stonecroft added: “Dermot and I are looking forward very much to our new partnership with Armit Wines in the U.K. We are delighted that we will be working with a firm of the calibre of Armit, which is so well established in the market. We think that the company will be a great fit for Stonecroft, sharing our commitment to quality and passion for wine.

“For a small winery, it is also reassuring to see Armit Wines’ real interest in the wineries and winemakers they work with. We are excited that our wines will soon be available in the UK.”

Stonecroft joins Seresin and Paddy Borthwick in Armit’s New Zealand portfolio and the wines will be available from 21 January while also appearing on the Armit stand at the annual New Zealand tasting on the 18^th.