By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) group sparkling winemaker, Charles 'Chilly' Hargrave, will turn his full attention to the company's Tasmanian vineyards, taking on the role of winemaker for the Heemskerk and Abel's Tempest labels.
Hargrave has more than 35 years experience in the wine industry, working across some of the country's most iconic brands, with a particular focus on sparkling.
He commenced with Yellowglen in 1999 and helped to develop the Yellowglen Pink and Red, Bella Pink Moscato, Vintage Perle and Perle Rosé, and most recently, the Exceptional Vintage XV by Yellowglen sparkling wine.
Hargrave said he is looking forward to taking over the reins at Heemskerk and Abel's Tempest, following his ongoing work with Heemskerk viticulturist Jamie Hewett and winemaker Anne Pooley.
He is also excited by the potential of Tasmania's wine region as a whole.
"I think the wines we are producing out of Tasmania are some of the best examples of their variety – steely Riesling, beautiful aromatic Pinot Noir, taut and linear Chardonnay and sparkling wines with lovely finesse. The potential for this cool climate region is great and its significance will only increase over the coming years," said Hargrave
"Although I've been working with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a sparkling perspective for decades, I'm thrilled by the opportunity to work with the focused portfolio of Heemskerk and Abel's Tempest. In fact, I'm about to embark on a three-month trip to Burgundy, so it's a great excuse to delve into the style, expression and winemaking and viticultural flair of these noble varieties in their French home."