Distinctive wines from the Central Hawke’s Bay Limestone Hills, Lime Rock is a very small wine company started in 2000 in Waipawa. Winemaker Rosie Butler said the vineyard’s point of difference is planting on warm, north-facing limestone slopes and their ecological approach.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
“Owned by my husband Rodger Tynan, a Vit-ecologist, and I, we have an attractive small cellar door, open summer weekends. Tastings are free, and we often drive visitors up around the vineyard. I have extensive wine industry experience and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Wine & Viticulture.
Hills allow cold air to drain and provide frost-free growing conditions. We also have cool nights because of our altitude, and constant air movement reduces disease risk. The soft limestone rock provides free draining and biologically active soils that give a distinctive character to our wines. All this is with stunning views over the Ruataniwha Plains to the Ruahine Ranges and giant oyster fossil shells that are found in the limestone, as shown in our label and logo.”
What are the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
“In our selection spans across Pinot Noir, Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Our Classic Range covers all these varieties. Pinot Noir is available in a range of price points i.e. White Knuckle Hill, Classic, Kota and Quad ‘n’ Dog. The Sauvignon Blanc is Classic and Coquina (barrel fermented).”
Has there been any recent company news?
“From 10am-5pm on the weekend of October 1-2nd, Various Vintages and Vinyl will be on at our Cellar Door. We are dusting off some rare vintages and the old turntable to kick our season off in style. Across the weekend standard tastings are available at no charge for those keen to try and buy. However, for those wanting to enjoy a special drop, it’s just $10 on the day, and you will be treated to a Rare Wines Vertical Tasting. There’s no need to book; you’re welcome to pop in and see us at any stage throughout the weekend.
Lime Rock will also be at the Pinot Noir 2017 Celebration on the Waterfront in Wellington, from 31st January-2nd February.”
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
“We are continuing to expand in New Zealand, the UK, New York, California, Asia, and Australia.”
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where would you like to see the product situated?
“Our wine is available at high-quality wine stores, at the cellar door, and by contacting us.
Yes, we want to expand, we know that our wines suit premium restaurants, made from vines grown on the Central Hawke’s Bay limestone, have class, pure fruit flavours, are elegant and suit a wide range of foods. We get much praise for the flavour and drinkability of our wines.”
