Craggy Range Syrah Gimlet Gravels Vineyard Hawke's Bay 2022

This wine is characterized by...

• Syrah has recently been attracting attention not only for its richness, but also for its elegance and delicate flavor.
  
• The grapes are grown on a special plot of land in Hawke's Bay called Gimlet Gravels.
  
• The winemaking process is characterized by hand-picking, wild yeast fermentation, and 15 months of barrel aging.
  
• The taste is focused on the delicacy of Pinot Noir, with a light finish that harmonizes acidity and spice.
  
• It pairs well with spicy meat dishes and other strongly flavored dishes, making it a great choice for special occasion dinners.

An elegant and complex Syrah

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

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

After a time when people thought that "Syrah with its rich, jammy fruitiness and powerful attack is what makes it Syrah," attention is now being focused on "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.

The gravel also absorbs solar heat and releases it at night, reducing the extreme temperature difference between day and night. This unique microclimate promotes grape ripening, allowing the fruit to produce a concentrated fruit 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 made Gimlet Gravels Syrah famous.

Cultivation and brewing process

The harvest is a combination of manual and mechanical harvesting, with 90% of the grapes destemmed, and the remaining 10% fermented whole with wild yeast.

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

exterior

Deep red with a purplish tint. Slightly viscous, with the teardrops of wine remaining in the glass.

scent

The floral aroma of American cherry, prune, and lavender spreads throughout the wine, with nuances common to Pinot Noir.

Taste

It has a pleasant acidity and a smooth mouthfeel. The fruity and spicy notes are beautifully balanced, giving it a light and delicate volume. The finish lingers for a long time.

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

Food Pairing

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

It is richer than Pinot Noir, so the dishes are a bit richer, with meaty dishes.

It's a good idea to match the spicy flavor of the wine with the spicy flavor of the meat dish.

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

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

About the Craggy Range Winery

Craggy Range is a family-run winery established in Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand 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, the Peabodys were determined to start with greenfield land rather than purchasing existing vineyards. After exploring France, the United States 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 their 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 Gimlet Gravels plot in Hawke's Bay takes advantage of the warm stony soil to produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay, while the cool Te Muna Road plot in Martinborough produces Pinot Noir on old clay soil and Sauvignon Blanc on limestone and gravel soil.

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

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

The quality and uniqueness of their wines has earned them high praise, with them being ranked number one in The Real Review's "Top New Zealand Wineries 2023" and in 2014 being named "New World Winery of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

In addition to wine, the resort's restaurants and accommodations are also popular, offering visitors a luxurious and comfortable experience with seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The "Children's Christmas" project, established in 2018, also provides Christmas presents to underprivileged children in Hawke's Bay.

Furthermore, we are committed to sustainable winemaking and are aiming to convert all of our vineyards to organic farming. We place importance on coexistence with the natural environment, protecting microorganisms and biodiversity, while continuing our efforts to produce high-quality wines.

The Peabody family established a 1000-year trust to ensure the winery would never be sold and would remain in the family's hands. This long-term approach, combined with a strong commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability, has firmly 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 a region characterized by abundant sunshine and a relatively warm climate, boasting 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 the fruity Chardonnay is a popular white wine.

Additionally, the Gimlet Gravels area, which was 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 2022

item	Content
Winery Name	Craggy Range
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Hawke's Bay
kinds	red
Grape varieties	Syrah
Vintage	2022
Alcohol content	14.0%
capacity	750ml
remarks	screw cap