Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Winery Background and History

Craggy Range, established in 1998 in New Zealand, is a family-owned winery renowned for producing single-vineyard wines that express the unique characteristics of their terroir. The Te Muna Road Vineyard, located in Martinborough, is particularly esteemed for its diverse soil composition and cool climate, which are ideal for cultivating Pinot Noir. Over the years, Craggy Range has garnered international acclaim for its commitment to quality and sustainability, reflecting both the winery’s dedication to excellence and the distinctive attributes of the Te Muna Road terroir.

Producer and Winemaker

The winemaking team at Craggy Range is led by Chief Winemaker Julian Grounds, who brings extensive experience and a passion for crafting wines that authentically represent their origins. Under his guidance, the team employs meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques to ensure each bottle reflects the unique terroir of the Te Muna Road Vineyard. Their collaborative approach emphasizes sustainability and a deep respect for the land, contributing to the winery’s reputation for excellence.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Te Muna Road Vineyard spans approximately 81.5 acres and is planted with eight clones of Pinot Noir across more than 40 different parcels. Situated on two distinct terraces, the vineyard features stony soils that provide excellent drainage, essential for vine health and fruit concentration. The cool-climate region of Martinborough, characterized by significant diurnal temperature variations, allows for slow ripening of the grapes, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity. These conditions, combined with sustainable farming practices, contribute to the production of high-quality Pinot Noir with distinctive regional characteristics.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2023 vintage involved hand-harvesting the Pinot Noir grapes at optimal ripeness. After destemming, fermentation occurred in open-top oak tanks using indigenous yeasts, which enhances the wine’s complexity and true expression of terroir. Post-fermentation, the wine matured on the lees in French oak barriques for ten months, with 21% being new oak. This aging process imparts subtle oak nuances and allows the wine to develop a harmonious balance between fruit intensity and structural elegance.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5%

Tasting Notes

The Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 exhibits a refined and elegant profile. On the nose, it showcases an enticing blend of red fruits, wild herbs, and savory, earthy undertones. The palate is delicious and long, with silky tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a beautifully textured finish. This Pinot Noir captures the essence of Te Muna’s unique terroir, offering a wine of both sophistication and depth.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Pinot Noir pairs exceptionally well with dishes such as duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb, and beef carpaccio. Its balanced acidity and elegant structure complement the rich flavors of these dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. The wine’s versatility also makes it a delightful companion to a variety of poultry and game dishes, as well as earthy vegetarian fare.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and structure, serve the Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C (60°F to 64°F). Decanting the wine for about 30 minutes before serving can help to aerate it, allowing the bouquet to open up and the tannins to soften, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Using large, Burgundy-style glasses will further concentrate the aromas and direct the wine to the appropriate areas of the palate.

Storage and Aging Potential

Stored under optimal conditions—away from direct light, at a consistent temperature of around 12°C (54°F), and with moderate humidity—the 2023 Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir has the potential to age gracefully for 5 to 7 years. Over time, the wine is expected to develop additional layers of complexity, with the fruit flavors mellowing and integrating seamlessly with tertiary notes such as forest floor, dried herbs, and earthy nuances. Regularly monitoring the wine’s development will ensure it is enjoyed at its peak maturity.