Crittenden

Garry Crittenden was one of the pioneers on the Mornington Peninsula, establishing the family vineyard over 30 years ago, and introducing a number of avant garde pruning and canopy management techniques. In the manner of things, much has changed and continues to change in cool climate vineyard management. Grafting unsuitable varieties (notably cabernet sauvignon) to clonally selected pinot noir, moving from spur to cane pruning, lowering the height of the cordon, eliminating herbicides and synthetic fertilisers, onsite production of compost, and green mulching with inter-row crops, have all been undertaken. While pinot noir and chardonnay remain the principal focus, Garrys constant desire to push envelopes saw the establishment of a range of Italian varietals (Pinocchio) and Iberian Peninsula varieties (Los Hermanos). Winemaking has now returned to the family vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula in a newly built facility, with son Rollo Crittenden very much in charge. JAMES HALLIDAY winecompanion.com.au