The Hermit Ram Pinot Noir Zealandia 2019

In 2012 Theo Coles discovered the Limestone Hills vineyard in Canterbury in the north of New Zealand’s South Island.  Owned by Gareth Renowdon, Theo agreed to make some wine with him from his 1000 or so Pinot Noir vines.  Limestone Hills vineyard is naturally farmed, and the first vintage (2012) was that way too — no additions and matured in old oak.

Since then Theo has expanded the range to include the skin fermented Sauvignon Blanc and Müller-Thurgau, a field blend rosé and another Pinot Noir.  The fruit comes from tiny vineyards throughout the Canterbury region, all naturally farmed without chemicals and Theo is keen to stress that every wine has its own story to tell.  We agree and would add that this is some of the most exciting wine to come out of New Zealand for a long time; a turning point for authentic, artisan winemakers in a country so often associated with mass-produced wine.  These are wines with personality, depth, complexity and most importantly, drinkability.

The Pinot Noir grapes come from organically-grown vineyards around North Canterbury. They are destemmed, fermented with native yeasts (with just one gentle punchdown) and macerated on skins for six weeks. The wine is matured in Tinajas (lined Spanish clay amphora) and bottled unfined, unfiltered with only minimal sulphur.

“This wine is a readjustment in my thinking around Pinot Noir and replaces the ‘Wholebunch’ cuvée in my line up. The ‘Zealandia’ Pinot Noir brings all the complexity and diversity of North Canterbury soils and exposures together in one harmonious expression to create a unique ‘New Zealand-ness’ in the glass. Pinot Noir. Gravel. Basalt. Clay. Limestone. Natural fermentation. Long maceration. Amphora aged. No whole bunches.”  - Theo Coles