This wine is characterized by...

• Syrah has been gaining attention not only for its richness but also for its elegance and delicate flavor.
  
• The grapes used are grown on a special plot of land in Hawke's Bay called Gimlet Gravels.
  
• The winemaking process is characterised by hand harvesting, wild yeast fermentation and 15 months of barrel aging.
  
• It has a delicate taste reminiscent of Pinot Noir, with a light finish that combines acidity and spice.
  
• It goes well with spicy meat dishes and strongly flavored dishes, and is recommended for special occasion dinners.

An elegant and complex Syrah

Syrah is known for its rich red wine, but elegant Syrah is also trending in the wine world today, which is not necessarily the case.

An increasing number of wine lovers are not simply looking for strength and richness, but instead value complexity, balance, and a wine that is easy to drink.

After the days when "a Syrah with rich, jammy fruitiness and a powerful attack is what makes it Syrah, " attention is now being paid to "a Syrah with a delicate flavor that brings out the elegance of spices and herbs ."

And the environment that produces this Syrah is a "cool climate."

Hawke's Bay, which I will introduce today, is a relatively warm region in New Zealand, but is somewhat cooler than other Syrah-producing regions around the world.

This wine is made using grapes grown in a special plot of land in Hawke's Bay called Gimlet Gravels .

Gimlet Gravels is a plot of land filled with large and small rocks that was created by occupying a riverbed that dried up after an earthquake. The soil has excellent drainage, allowing the roots of the vines to grow deep underground.

In addition, the gravel absorbs the heat of the sun and releases it at night, reducing the extreme temperature difference between day and night. This unique microclimate promotes the ripening of grapes, allowing the fruit to produce a concentrated taste while retaining its acidity.

The most commonly grown varieties are Bordeaux varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, etc.), but the Syrah grown here, although in smaller quantities, is attracting attention from around the world.

Craggy Range is one of the wineries that has made Gimlet Gravels Syrah famous.

Cultivation and brewing process

The grapes are harvested by hand and machine, 90% of which are destemmed, and the remaining 10% are fermented whole bunch with wild yeast.

The fermentation tanks are a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels. Both are open-top. After fermentation, the wine is aged in barrels for 15 months (23% of the barrels are new French oak).

It is bottled after clarification and filtration.

Tasting notes

This wine was made based on the philosophy that "Syrah should be as delicate as Pinot Noir," and I feel that this idea is certainly apparent throughout the wine.

exterior

Deep red with a purple tint. Slightly viscous, with tears of wine remaining in the glass.

scent

The floral aroma of American cherry, prune, and lavender spreads, and there are also nuances common to Pinot Noir.

Taste

Pleasant acidity and smooth mouthfeel. Fruity and spicy flavors are perfectly balanced, giving it a light and delicate volume. The aftertaste lingers for a long time.

For those who like Pinot Noir, I would recommend this as the next step, with a gentle flavor that is not too rich.

Food Pairing

• sirloin steak
• Beef stew
• Pork and mushrooms stewed in red wine
• Spicy Chili Con Carne
• Cumin-spiced sausage

Compared to Pinot Noir, it is richer, so the dishes tend to be a bit richer, more meaty.

It's a good idea to match them with the spice of the wine and the spice of the meat dish.

The current owner, David Peabody Jr., is the third generation of the family and was so moved by the overwhelming appeal of Syrah that he decided to take over the winery built by his grandparents. He says that his passion is still reflected in the wines, even now that he is the owner.

This wine represents a new era of elegant Syrah and is perfect for enjoying with a dinner on a special occasion.

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 what was originally a riverbed was pushed up by an earthquake, is one of Hawke's Bay's important sub-regions.

Craggy Range Syrah Gimblett Gravels Vineyard, Hawke's Bay 2021

item	Content
Winery Name	Craggy Range
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Hawke's Bay
kinds	red
Grape variety	Syrah
Vintage	2021
Alcohol content	13.0%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap