Uncorked: Unusual climate sets New Zealand vineyards apart

Kel Dixon knows New Zealand has a calling card when it comes to wine recognition.

“There’s no doubt sauvignon blanc was the front door,” said Dixon, the winemaker at Whitecliff. “The growth of sauvignon blanc has been monumental. In the last five years, it’s gone from strength to strength. Pinot has become a tack on to that, and it’s gone gangbusters since.” 

[…] With wide distribution, the Kim Crawford line of sauvignon blanc and pinot noir offers an accessible introduction to New Zealand. Take it a step further and find Loveblock at a wine store, restaurant or higher-end grocer. After Crawford sold his eponymous winery, he started Loveblock, and the pinots are fantastic. The Loveblock Central Otago pinot noir 2018 ($27) was driven by herb notes, wet earth, mushroom and black cherry flavors.

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