Elegance Reimagined: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Australia and New Zealand

If you had to choose grape varieties to define New Zealand and Australia, they would surely be Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, respectively. And with good reason, since both countries have made an indelible mark upon on the wine world with those varieties. In recent years, however, Burgundy enthusiasts increasingly have been turning to the Southern Hemisphere to explore new styles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With such a wide range of climates and regions across the two countries, there is a style to suit every palate.

New Zealand’s Gift to Wine: Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand’s gift to the wine world is undeniably Sauvignon Blanc, especially that from the Marlborough region, which is located at the north end of the South Island. Steely, rac,y and bursting with a veritable cornucopia of herbaceous and fruit-forward aromas, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough not only helped to redefine the variety but also put New Zealand on the global wine map–today, almost 90% of New Zealand wine exported to the U.S. is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Fan-Favorite from New Zealand Te Whare Ra Is Back!

For the past several weeks, I’ve noticed customers scanning the New Zealand racks, asking the same questions: “Are they back in stock yet? Do you know when they’ll be here?” As the newly minted buyer for the Southern Hemisphere, I was intrigued. What are these Te Whare Ra wines everyone has been asking for?

Notes from a Fanboy: New Zealand Riesling

New Zealand Riesling is one of the wine styles I find myself drinking more than anything else these days, thanks to the high quality and incredibly reasonable prices. Riesling is produced in nearly every major wine-growing region in the country and comes in a variety of styles. Most are off-dry with just a hint of sweetness, while others can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. With a variety of styles and QPR that is off the charts, I honestly can’t recommend these wines enough. Here’s a quick tour of New Zealand’s best Rieslings.

Celebrating Sauvignon Blanc Day

Today, the staff and buyers at K&L are opening up Sauvignon Blanc from around the world to pay homage to the Sauvignon Blanc grape and the wonderful wine it produces.

Revelatory Finds from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa

In this week’s newsletter, K&L’s Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa Buyer, Thomas Smith, has a litany of bottles from the other side of the world that will be at home by grill or by garden. If you’re in the mood for a sizzling burger hot off a campsite fire pit, try a Bordeaux blend from Stellenbosch. Ceviche by the beach? Try one of Australia’s powerful, bone-dry Rieslings from Eden Valley. Just want to catch up with friends in your own backyard? Try a bubbly rosé from Tasmania or a Pinot Meunier rosé from New Zealand. The possibilities for summer fun are endless!

Ata Rangi: Grand Cru of New Zealand Now Exclusively at K&L

We have big news for fans of New Zealand Pinot Noir: K&L is now the exclusive importer of Ata Rangi, one of the most well-renowned producers of Pinot in the country. For over 40 years, Clive Paton and his family have been making exceptional wines, earning official status as Grand Cru of New Zealand. We are proud that they’ve chosen us to be their exclusive retailer in the U.S., and we can’t wait to share these beautiful wines with you.

New DI Producer to Watch: New Zealand's Matt Connell

New Zealand is killing it right now with Pinot Noir, and we at K&L are completely on board the NZ Pinot train. Our Australia/New Zealand Buyer Thomas Smith is one of its biggest advocates, and has brought in some stunning wines from new Direct Import producers that are really breathing life into the category for us. And we’re excited to use this blog space to introduce you to them. First up: a fellow by the name of Matt Connell.

K&L Wine Merchants

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