This month, we'll take a tour of some of my favorite wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere, and there's much to be excited about. From the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of Australia and New Zealand to the iconic Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs that helped redefine the variety, there's something here for every kind of wine drinker.
Read MoreIf 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.
Read MoreNew 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.
Read MoreFor 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?
Read MoreOn September 19th and 20th, K&L had the pleasure of welcoming the esteemed and affable winemaker Helen Masters from New Zealand’s Ata Rangi Winery for a memorable tasting series and unique dinner in San Francisco. For an in-depth discussion on Ata Rangi's background and ethos, check out the fantastic write-up by Emma Jenkins, MW for Decanter. Ata Rangi is undeniably one of the top Pinot Noir producers in New Zealand. They were not only recognized in 2010 with the inaugural Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa or "Grand Cru of New Zealand" award, but they've earned a reputation for producing wines that are delightfully approachable, expressively terroir-driven, and remarkably age-worthy. Plus, it's hard not to have a great time around Helen, a true champion of the wine industry and wonderful person!
Read MoreWith Thanksgiving behind us, it's time to gear up for the holiday season. This calls for celebrations, and what's a celebration without wine? At K&L, we've curated a selection of top-notch wines that will impress your guests and help you celebrate the holidays in style. The best part? Quality doesn't have to break the bank. We've discovered a series of remarkable deals from the Southern Hemisphere that will delight your guests and keep your budget intact.
Read MoreToday’s Wine News takes us on a tour of the most exciting producers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. Led by Buyer Thomas Smith, you’ll discover new takes on classic varieties and the winemakers who are making the magic happen.
Read MoreSouthern Hemisphere wines are more exciting than ever, and K&L Buyer Thomas Smith has assembled a tour de force of the best on our shelves. Whether you’re looking for exquisite cool-climate Pinot, skin-contact summer sippers, or the most exciting producer to come out of South Africa, Thomas has got you covered.
Read MoreBuyers Kirk Walker and Thomas Smith have joined forces in our Southern Hemisphere newsletter to bring you the best values, the best new finds, the best oldies-but-goodies we have from south of the Equator. From Uruguay to Marlborough, the “New World” is bringing their A-game, and our newsletter is your guide to your new favorites!
Read MoreFans of New Zealand wines are celebrating Sauvignon Blanc today,and our very own NZ guru is no exception. Buyer Thomas Smith may not be able to be in Marlborough with his Kiwi pals, but he is drinking a glass or two in solidarity from the comfort of his own home—and he has some excellent recommendations for you to do the same!
Read MoreNew 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.
Read MoreLast week was Organic Wine Week in New Zealand and to celebrate here in the States they hosted a tasting and seminar at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Although they are a relative newcomer in the wine world, New Zealand is setting standards and outpacing many other wine regions in sustainable and organic practices. Their holistic approach and future-facing goals are promising and inspiring.
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