Wine introduction overview

• It has a creamy, rich texture and flavors of toasted nuts and ripe peach.
• The grapes are grown in the special soils of Gimlet Gravels in Hawke's Bay.
• Hand-picked, whole-cluster pressed, fermented with native yeasts and aged for 10 months in French and Austrian oak.
• You can enjoy the aroma of buttery brioche, white peach, and citrus fruits.
  
• It has a slightly bitter citrus flavor, a creamy taste, and a long aftertaste.
• It has the ability to age and can be enjoyed even 10 years after the vintage.
• It goes well with dishes that have a creamy and roasted flavor.

A noble Chardonnay with a rich aroma

"Creamy and rich Chardonnay." There are many people who are attracted to this charm.

With one sip, you'll experience a rich, vanilla cream-like texture, along with the aroma of toasted nuts and the fruity flavors of ripe peaches and pears, creating a harmonious blend of mellowness and strength.

Chardonnay is the very epitome of fine white wine. It made its name in Burgundy villages such as Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet and is now loved all over the world.

And of course, New Zealand also produces a "rich Chardonnay" that lives up to the name.

The product we would like to introduce this time is made by Craggy Range, a prestigious brand on New Zealand's North Island .

Craggy Range is based in Hawke's Bay, a warm region of the North Island.

This Chardonnay was not available from the previous importer, and is the first brand to be imported into Japan since the Japanese importer changed in 2024, making it its first appearance in Japan.

The vineyards are located on a special plot called "Gimlet Gravels" , where the poor, pebbly soil allows the fruit to ripen slowly, enhancing its concentration and giving the wine its characteristic phenolic and rich flavours.

The grapes are hand-picked, 100% whole-cluster pressed, fermented with native yeasts , and aged for 10 months in French and Austrian oak , with 26% being new barrels .

The colour is pale straw .

The aroma begins with buttery brioche , followed by lively aromas of white peach and citrus fruits .

The taste is a pleasant bitterness like citrus peel , a fine acidity , and a creaminess reminiscent of soft bread with butter . The aftertaste is surprisingly long , with an impressive minerality like oyster shells . The aroma that comes back from the throat is fragrant like hazelnuts .

According to David Peabody Jr., third generation owner of Craggy Range,

"We've seen that this wine still has plenty of fruit even 10 years after the vintage, proving that screwcaps allow for slow aging."

That's what they say.

The flavor deepens over time, making it a perfect drink for a special occasion.

• Butter-fried Shrimp
• Salmon and mushroom cream pasta
• Roast chicken in cream sauce

These dishes with a creamy and roasted flavor will bring out the unique character of this Chardonnay. Please try adding this to your special day dinner table.

About the Winery "Craggy Range"

Craggy Range is a family-run winery established in Hawke's Bay on New Zealand's North Island in 1998. In 1993, founder Terry Peabody and his wife Mary decided to create a family legacy that could be passed on to the next generation.

Notably, they were adamant about starting with greenfield land rather than purchasing existing vineyards. After searching for land in France, America and Australia, they were ultimately seduced by the potential of New Zealand, where the region's mild climate, rich agricultural history and pioneering people perfectly matched the Peabody family's ideals.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the majestic Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range produces premium wines from grapes harvested in two iconic wine-growing regions, Hawke's Bay and Martinborough, showcasing the unique character of each site.

(Source: https://craggyrange.com/ )

The special vineyards of Hawke's Bay, Gimlet Gravels, take advantage of the warm stony soils to produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay, while the cooler Te Muna Road vineyards in Martinborough feature old clay soils for Pinot Noir and limestone gravel for Sauvignon Blanc.

The winery's main facility is located in the heart of Gimlet Gravels, with individual cellars designed to suit each wine, with Giants Winery using French oak barrels to create the complex and special wine Sofia.

(Source: https://craggyrange.com/ )

The quality and uniqueness of their wines has been highly praised, and they were ranked number one in The Real Review's Top New Zealand Wineries 2023. In 2014, they were also named New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

In addition to wine, restaurants and accommodations are also popular, offering visitors a luxurious and comfortable experience, including seasonal menus using fresh local ingredients. In addition, the "Children's Christmas" project, established in 2018, is engaged in activities to deliver Christmas presents to underprivileged children in Hawke's Bay.

In addition, we are committed to sustainable winemaking and are aiming to convert all of our vineyards to organic. We value coexistence with the natural environment and continue to work to produce high-quality wines while protecting microorganisms and biodiversity.

The Peabody family established a 1000-year trust to ensure the winery would never be sold and would remain in the family. This long-term approach, combined with a strong commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability, has established Craggy Range as a key winery, showcasing the potential of New Zealand wine to the world.

About Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay is located in the eastern part of the North Island and is characterized by abundant sunshine and a relatively warm climate, and boasts the second largest grape-growing area in Australia.

Hawke's Bay specializes in producing red wines, particularly those made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, while fruity Chardonnay is a popular white wine.

The Gimlet Gravels, an area created when an earthquake pushed up what was originally a riverbed, is one of Hawke's Bay's important sub-regions.

Craggy Range Chardonnay Gimlett Gravels Vineyard Hawke's Bay 2023 Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay 2023 )

item	Content
Winery Name	Craggy Range
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Hawke's Bay
kinds	white
Grape variety	Chardonnay
Vintage	2023
Alcohol content	12.7%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap