A Love Letter to the Loire

I have long been a fan of Loire wines, well before I became the buyer for the category at K&L. The crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé were among the first wines I drank, even before I joined the wine industry. Back then, Pouilly-Fumé was the region to watch, driven by the cult producer Didier Dagueneau and the vibrant, smoky whites produced there. Sancerre was still a few years away from becoming the ubiquitous wine you now see on restaurant menus around the world.

An Abundance of Côtes du Rhône

Few wines in all my buying categories bring me as much joy as the humble Côtes du Rhône. From reds to whites, these wines offer some of the best daily drinking at prices that still defy the market. Each of the producers featured here are small, family-run estates, and what they put in the glass for the cost simply transcends everything else in the category. Many are certified sustainable and/or organic, emphasizing care in both vineyard and cellar.

A Guide to the Rhône Valley

The Rhône Valley stands among France’s most exciting and diverse regions, producing wines that balance power, elegance, and a deep sense of place. From the granite slopes of the north to the sun-soaked vineyards of the south, this month’s feature—curated by our Rhône Buyer, Keith Mabry—highlights the full spectrum of the region’s greatness: from new direct-import exclusives and exceptional Gigondas values to cellar-worthy Châteauneuf-du-Pape collectibles. Whether you’re discovering the Rhône for the first time or expanding a seasoned collection, these wines capture the essence of this legendary valley.

Domaine Courbis Brings Classic St-Joseph and Cornas to Our Shelves

My recent trip through the Rhône was one of the most productive I can remember. I tasted with dozens of vintners, reconnected with many of our long-standing direct-import partners, and discovered several exciting new producers along the way. One of my favorite “finds” from this trip was the exceptional range from Laurent and Dominique Courbis.

What I'm Excited about This Week: French Regional Fabulosity

This week, Keith Mabry brought us on a winding little trip through some of the smaller regions that he sources from for his particular buying portfolio. I've talked before about how diverse and varied his regions are, and this staff tasting was a great tour of them.

Our French Wine Picks for Bastille Day

France is the soul of fine wine, and no day better honors that legacy than Bastille Day. From the regal bubbles of Champagne to the sun-soaked reds of the Southern Rhône, the mineral purity of Chablis to a Médoc sleeper from a banner vintage, today’s newsletter celebrates the glorious diversity of French terroir. Each pick comes straight from the K&L team—Gary, Keith, Alex, and Ryan—offering their top choices to toast la belle France. Raise a glass with us this weekend and discover what makes these bottles so timeless and essential.

Southern Rhône Shines for Summer Reds

Southern Rhône reds are the essence of summer flavor. One of my favorite wine categories overall, these bold-yet-balanced wines are tailor-made for outdoor gatherings and anything hot off the grill. There’s something magical about the way ripe, sun-drenched fruit meets savory spice—it pairs effortlessly with smoky, charred flavors.

Domaine Patrice Colin Aromatic and Intriguing Wines from the Loire

Tucked away in the northwest corner of the Loire Valley, west of the Gallic town of Vendôme, lie 27 communes dotted along the southern banks of the Loir River that comprise the AOC Coteaux du Vendômois, 120 hectares of flinty, sandy soils bursting with the region’s “rare and ancient native variety” Pineau d’Anuis, plus Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Chardonnay.

Why You Need More Chenin Blanc in Your Life

In the Loire, the conversation almost always starts with Sauvignon Blanc—Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon. They are popular, and they are great. But Chenin Blanc is just as noble, and honestly, it deserves a lot more attention than it gets. The range of styles, the variety of terroirs, the sheer versatility make it one of the most exciting white grapes out there, especially when grown in the Loire.

Muscadet: Loire Valley's Freshest White Is Still Under the Radar

Like what happened in Beaujolais with its crus, Muscadet began highlighting specific geological zones capable of producing wines with aging potential. The first three—Clisson, Le Pallet, and Gorges—set the tone, and now there are ten official crus. These wines are aged longer on the lees (usually 17–30 months, depending on the cru), and they offer a completely different experience from the classic sur lie style. The best of them are structured, mineral, and textured—serious wines hiding behind a humble name.

Anthony Girard – A Sancerre Original

Anthony Girard remains one of my favorite "characters" in Sancerre. Years ago, he struck out on his own, leaving the family domaine to create La Clef du Récit in the southern part of the appellation. The name, which translates to “the key to the story,” is intriguingly ambiguous—there’s no castle here, despite the imagery. But maybe it’s more about the keys to his own imaginative mind-palace… which brings us back to that "character" part.

Report from the Rhône: Vintages, Friends, Wine Fairs, and Cheese!

I recently returned from two weeks in the Rhône Valley, and I am still playing catch up. There were so many things to digest along the way – new vintage assessments, strengthening our producer relationships, and finding new partner producers.

K&L Wine Merchants

www.klwines.com