Stonyridge Pilgrim 2019 is a red blend from Stonyridge Vineyard on Waiheke Island, made from the classic Rhône varieties of southern France: Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Viognier. Stonyridge call Pilgrim New Zealand's first "Rhône Ranger" wine. A great wine for anyone who enjoys Syrah-led reds with a Mediterranean feel.
The name comes from the pilgrims who for hundreds of years have passed through Provence, Languedoc and Roussillon on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Their symbols, the cross and the scallop shell, still appear on frescoes across the region as a sign that pilgrims are welcome and safe.
This is a wine for those of us who enjoy a red with warmth and spice. It would pair well with slow-cooked lamb, and it makes a fantastic weekend wine for a long winter dinner.
Food to enjoy this with
This is a wine best enjoyed with great food. Good matches include:
- Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic
- Cassoulet
- Beef short ribs
- Venison sausages with lentils
- Hard cheeses such as aged cheddar
- Lamb kofta with harissa yoghurt: an unexpected one, but Rhône blends have the spice and softness to meet North African flavours
Who makes it
Stonyridge Vineyard is the ongoing dream of owner Stephen White. He returned to New Zealand in 1981 after sailing in a Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, skippering yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, and working at wineries in France, California and Italy. After careful climate research he chose a north-facing site on Waiheke Island to grow Bordeaux-style reds.
The first vines and olive trees were planted in 1982, making Stonyridge the first commercial olive grove in New Zealand. Stephen completed a vintage at Château d'Angludet in Margaux under Peter Sichel in 1984, and made the first Stonyridge vintage in 1985. The 1987 Larose brought Stonyridge national fame and international attention.
Pilgrim is Stonyridge's tribute to the reds of the south of France, built on the "GSM" varieties (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre) alongside Viognier.
Technical details
| Winery: |
Stonyridge Vineyard |
| Wine: |
Pilgrim |
| Vintage: |
2019 |
| Variety: |
Rhône-style blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Viognier |
| Region: |
Waiheke Island |
| Country: |
New Zealand |
Where to buy
For international delivery to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, the Stonyridge Pilgrim 2019 is available from our winenz.com website. For delivery within New Zealand, buy it from thewineryonline.co.nz. You can also buy it at our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores, alongside a large range of New Zealand and international wine. On both websites and in both stores you can select a mixed case from a large range of wines, and if you are visiting from overseas, we can ship it home for you.
Questions we are often asked
What grapes are in Stonyridge Pilgrim?
Pilgrim is made from the Rhône varieties Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Viognier, grown on Waiheke Island.
What does GSM mean?
GSM stands for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the classic red blend of the southern Rhône and the south of France.
Why is it called Pilgrim?
It's named for the pilgrims who crossed Provence, Languedoc and Roussillon on the way to Santiago de Compostela, whose scallop-shell symbol marked places they were welcome.
Who owns Stonyridge?
Stephen White, who founded Stonyridge on Waiheke Island and made its first vintage in 1985.
Where can I buy Stonyridge Pilgrim 2019?
The Winery ships Stonyridge Pilgrim 2019 internationally from winenz.com to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, and delivers within New Zealand from thewineryonline.co.nz. You can also buy it in our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores.
