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The History and Significance of Craggy Range Wines

Craggy Range wines are an exceptional collection of iconic wines hailing from various regions in New Zealand. The visionary behind this remarkable brand is owner Terry Peabody and his family, who adopted the single vineyard approach to winemaking. With a focus on quality right from the outset, they meticulously planted their vineyards on green fields and untouched land.

The Terroir: A Tapestry of Diversity

Located in New Zealand, a country renowned for its diverse soil types, Craggy Range found the perfect setting to cultivate their vines. From the warm, stony soils of the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay to the volcanic clay soils of Te Muna Road in Martinborough, these exceptional vineyards yield wines with extraordinary aromatics, purity, and complexity. Each wine produced for the Prestige and Family Collections is a pure expression of the unique terroir in which it was nurtured.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Passion

In 1993, Terry Peabody and his wife Mary embarked on a mission to create a lasting family legacy—one that would endure for generations to come. Driven by their profound love for fine wine, they aspired to establish a wine estate anywhere in the world. However, Terry had one unwavering condition: he wanted to select untamed, bare land, ensuring an unwavering commitment to quality right from the start.

Their search began in traditional winemaking regions such as France and America before expanding to Australia. Eventually, fate led Terry to the edge of the world—New Zealand—a land characterized by mountains, fire, and ice. Here, he discovered the untapped potential that had eluded him elsewhere: an exceptional climate, a rich history of land cultivation, and a pioneering spirit ingrained in the people.

A Unique Winemaking Environment

New Zealand's wine-growing regions boast a temperate and maritime climate, coupled with youthful soils, resulting in an environment unlike any other. This distinctive combination offers the possibility of crafting wines with unmatched freshness, purity, and elegance—truly unparalleled in character.

The Journey to Iconic Status

Terry Peabody's encounter with esteemed New Zealand viticulturist Steve Smith marked a turning point in his winemaking venture. Together, they embarked on a quest to uncover the best sites within this relatively young country, with a lofty ambition to be recognized as one of New Zealand's iconic wine producers. Meticulously selecting unique parcels of land, they planted vineyards that would produce wines capturing the essence of their origin.

Their search led them to the renowned Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing district, nestled in the ancient river bed of the Ngaruroro River in Hawke’s Bay. Here, the Gimblett Gravels Vineyard, characterized by warmth, stone, and sandy alluvial soils, provided an ideal locale for crafting high-quality red wines, including Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They then ventured to Martinborough, specifically to the awe-inspiring Te Muna Road, where a picturesque piece of farmland awaited them. The upper terrace, with its ancient rocky clay-infused soils, proved perfect for cultivating Pinot Noir, while the lower terrace, adorned with younger gravelly soils interlaced with limestone, allowed for the creation of a unique style of aromatic, minerally Sauvignon Blanc.

The Culmination of Time and Dedication

As the vineyards matured over the years, so did the wines themselves. In 2014, the winery received prestigious recognition from renowned US publication Wine Enthusiast, being crowned 'New World Winery of the Year.' Numerous wines from Craggy Range have also garnered notable accolades and awards, solidifying their place among the finest in the industry.

A Legacy for Generations to Come

To honour his commitment to his family and their enduring legacy, Terry Peabody established a 1000-year trust, ensuring that the winery can never be sold. This unwavering dedication cements Craggy Range as a brand driven by passion and a profound desire to create exceptional wines that transcend time.

Experience the unparalleled wines of Craggy Range and discover the essence of New Zealand's terroir. Visit The Reserve Cellar today and indulge in a truly remarkable wine journey.