We need to put Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay on the map

Convincing the world that Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay is among the world’s best is one of the biggest challenges – and opportunities – for brand New Zealand, says Vidal Estate’s Hugh Crichton. Highlighting the success of the Gimblett Gravels, which has come to be seen as a superior Hawke’s Bay sub-region for Bordeaux grapes and Syrah, the winemaker said a similar sub-regional focus could propel Chardonnay to new heights in the eyes of wine consumers around the world. “That sort of thing is really important from a regional branding point of view,” he explained to db. “Gimblett Gravels is just one sub-region within Hawke’s Bay, but that sort of thing helps to put Hawke’s Bay on the map.