| Region of production: | Hawke’s Bay GI, Martinborough GI |
| Winery Location: | Hastings, Hawke’s Bay |
| Year Established: | 1998 |
Vineyard Holdings
182 ha
- Gimblett Gravels Vineyard (90 ha): Hawke’s Bay GI. Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay on gravel.
- Te Muna Road Vineyard (92 ha): Martinborough GI. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc on stony clay.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Martinborough GI): Fermented in a combination of stainless steel and French barriques, mostly used. Inaugural vintage 2002.
- Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Chardonnay (Hawke’s Bay GI): Fermented using indigenous yeasts in French barriques, approximately 30% new. Inaugural vintage 2002.
- Kidnappers Vineyard Chardonnay (Hawke’s Bay GI): Fermented using selected and indigenous yeasts in a combination of French cuves, puncheons, and stainless steel. Inaugural vintage 2006.
- Aroha Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir (Martinborough GI): 50% whole-cluster fermentation in open-top stainless steel vats and French cuves. Aged in French barriques, 30% new. Inaugural vintage 2002.
- Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Syrah (Hawke’s Bay GI): 20% whole-cluster fermentation in French cuves. Aged in French barriques, 35% new. Inaugural vintage 2001.
- Sophia Gimblett Gravels Vineyard (Hawke’s Bay GI): Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Aged in French barriques, 45% new. Inaugural vintage 2001.
- The Quarry Gimblett Gravels Vineyard (Hawke’s Bay GI): Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Aged in French barriques, 50% new. Inaugural vintage 2001.
Average Total Production
- 960,000 bottles
Summary
Craggy Range was first conceptualized in 1993 by American-born business mogul Terry Peabody, who earned much of his fortune in waste management in Australia. He hired Steve Smith, a notable New Zealand viticulturist and today a Master of Wine, to help him find a suitable location for his project. The two eventually decided on the esteemed Gimblett Gravels district of Hawke’s Bay, where they planted Craggy Range’s estate vineyard. The winery takes its name from the geological formation that overlooks the property and includes Te Mata Peak, the highest in the region. The Gimblett Gravels Vineyard also features a winery facility and nationally recognized restaurant. Beyond Hawke’s Bay, Craggy Range has invested in Martinborough GI through its Te Muna Road Vineyard. The brand is the largest vineyard owner in Wairarapa.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Craggy Range operates two winery facilities, one in Gimblett Gravels and a second called Giants. Both are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and feature different rooms and cellars for different bottlings. Giants features a circular fermentation cellar for the production of Sophia. Craggy Range is recognized for wines that lean opulent and show a capacity to age. A combination of indigenous and cultured yeasts is used, depending on the wine, and the use of new oak is moderate.
Producer Website: Craggy Range