Chardonnay shines on world stage
Vidal Estate winemaker Hugh Crichton is working hard to put Hawkes Bay chardonnay on the international stage.
He has just presented a master class on it in London at an event that showcased the best of New Zealand in front of hundreds of wine writers, top industry and enthusiasts.
‘‘It’s exciting and I’m on a bit of a crusade to take New Zealand chardonnay to the world,’’ Crichton said. ‘‘I’m fanatical about chardonnay, it’s my baby really.’’
‘‘When I was in London earlier this year, brokers in the UK will buy 50 dozen from us and then offer it to their private database, so very very high net worth individuals. So they took some of our 14 Legacy chardonnay. and when they did the write up, they referred to it as smells and tastes just like Coche Drury, which is a famous producer in Burgundy where their bottles sell for 600 pounds each. In the UK, our wine sells for 40 quid a bottle.’’
Crichton said Hawkes Bay was becoming recognised as one of the great chardonnay regions of the world. ‘‘The comments we’re getting from some of the top world critics, I just think the future of Hawkes Bay chardonnay is so so bright.’’
Crichton worked in France and Italy before joining Vidal in 2006. It is owned by Auckland-based family-owned Villa Maria, which was founded by Sir George Fistonich in 1961.
The parent company has just announced it will set up its own Australian-based sales and distribution operation from March, ending a 12-year relationship with its distributor Fine Wine Partners, which has been bought by another company. Villa Maria has two wine brands active in Australia Vidal and Villa Maria.
"I'm on a bit of a crusade to take New Zealand chardonnay to the world." Hugh Crichton, Vidal Estate winemaker