Wine introduction overview

• Craggy Range Chardonnay is dry and fresh in style, modelled on France's Chablis.
• The aroma is reminiscent of citrus and ocean flavors, while the taste is characterized by crisp acidity, subtle oak flavor, and a mineral feel.
• The Kidnappers Vineyard is located on the cool coast and is influenced by sea breezes.
• It's a modest wine that pairs well with food.
• 70% whole-cluster pressing, 30% pressed after destemming, aged in barrels for 11 months (15% new barrels).
• Recommended dishes include steamed oysters with lemon and cod with butter meunière, and it really shines when paired with other dishes.

Chablis from New Zealand?

When you think of Chardonnay, what flavor comes to mind?

Because it is a variety that does not have a particularly strong individuality, it is characterized by the fact that it shows an astonishing variety of different expressions depending on the growing environment and brewing method.

For example, a Chardonnay grown in a cool climate will have fresh citrus acidity, while one from a warmer region will have the intensity of ripe tropical fruit.

In addition, aging in oak barrels adds fragrant nuances of vanilla and nuts, while Chardonnay finished in stainless steel tanks is a style that allows you to enjoy the pure flavor of the fruit itself.

The fascinating thing about Chardonnay is its versatility.

It could be said that it is like a "canvas" on which the winemaking skill is directly displayed.

So, what kind of character does the Chardonnay I'm introducing today have?

The Chardonnay produced by Hawke's Bay's Craggy Range is described as "dry, refreshing and cool tasting."

Although the wine is aged in barrels, the impact on the flavor is kept to a minimum, allowing the freshness of the fruit to come to the forefront.

They say this wine is "modeled after France's Chablis."

In fact, when I tried tasting it...

The color is light , and the aroma is mild, with a focus on citrus . You can also sense the aroma of the ocean .

The taste has a strong lemon-like acidity, with a subtle cashew-like oak flavor . The aftertaste is dry . The minerality of oyster shells continues, inviting you to eat. It certainly gives a similar impression to Chablis.

Because it's not too assertive, I think it's a wine that pairs well with food.

The Kidnappers Vineyard (named after the land where the invader Captain Cook kidnapped children long ago), where the grapes are used for this wine, is located on the coast of the Cape, a slightly cooler area than Hawke's Bay, which is known for its warm climate.

The grapes grow in the strong sea breezes, and this influence can be clearly felt in the wine.

This vintage is 70% whole bunch pressed , the remaining 30% is pressed after destemming . Fermentation is done with a combination of wild yeast and cultured yeast , and after fermentation it is aged in barrels for 11 months (15% new barrels).

At a master class seminar held in Tokyo recently, David Peabody Jr., third-generation owner of Craggy Range, said, "This Chardonnay is fresh and crispy. Try pairing it with seafood."

I agree. It would go well with a similar pairing to Chablis.

• Steamed oysters + lemon
• Cod Butter Meuniere (Parsley Sauce)
• Shrimp tartare on chicory boat
• Scallop and young corn salad
• Green Leaf and Chevre Pizza
• Try pairing it with these dishes:

This wine may seem a little unassuming at first glance, but pairing it with these dishes will really bring out the wine's true potential.

The delicate flavors are well balanced and you can enjoy a rich aftertaste.

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 Chardonnay Kidnappers Vineyard Hawke's Bay 2022 Kidnappers Vineyard, Hawke's Bay 2022 )

item	Content
Winery Name	Craggy Range
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Hawke's Bay
kinds	white
Grape variety	Chardonnay
Vintage	2022
Alcohol content	12.5%
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap