The Stonebird wines are made by Gavin Patterson, originally from Zimbabwe, and were launched in South Africa in 2016 to great acclaim. They take their name from an ancient mythological bird that is a totem to the land and people in Zimbabwe and represents the connection to the soil.
The grapes are sourced mainly from vineyards in Elgin and Hemel en Aarde but to Gavin, the identity of the wines does not lie in the vineyard or the winery but ‘in being made from either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, in terracotta amphorae by hands on methods.’ He follows a minimalistic and hands on approach, beginning in his selected vineyards with pruning and following each stage of the fruit’s development so he can achieve the characteristics needed for his wines. The wines are then made in amphorae, reinforcing the connection to the earth, and left on the lees for ten months prior to bottling. Since making these wines Gavin has re-located to Shropshire to become winemaker at Hencote Vineyard in Shrewsbury. The Stonebird concept will continue, though with the next stage in the story being a wine from English grapes.
ALC 17%
England
£28.00 / per bottleSweet and fruityDesserts, Fruit
England
