2026 Craggy Range Rose, Hawkes Bay

Craggy Range was established in 1998 by the Peabody family and has become one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed producers with focus on Hawkes Bay and Martinborough on the North Island.

The fruit for the 2026 was specifically grown for this wine. The destemmed fruit was destemmed and crushed with minimal two-hour skin contact, followed by a long, cold settle to refine colour and aromatics. Fermentation took place at cool temperatures in stainless steel with a cultivated yeast, with each parcel kept separate until blending decisions that took place shortly after fermentation was complete. The 2026 was bottled in June as an 85/15 blend of Merlot and Tempranillo.

This is a vivid and crunchy dry rosé with lightly spicy aromas of strawberries leading to a medium-bodied, saline palate blend with a modest 2.2g/L residual sugar rounding of the fresh style that adds to an overall creaminess on the palate.

The perfect aperitif, it pairs beautifully with kingfish crudo, grilled prawns with chilli and lime, summer salads with goat’s cheese or prosciutto and melon.

This style of rosé wines are best served well chilled and are at their best 12-18 months from the vintage.