
Marlborough, Beaujolais
When most people think of New Zealand wine, the first thing that comes to mind will be Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This one variety more than any other helped springboard New Zealand on to the world-wine scene.
The region is located on the northern end of the south island, nestled around the town of Blenheim, and for many years was a sheep region. It was Montana wines, who in 1973 planted the first vines in the region “too far south to grow good wine.” At the time the region was the southernmost region in the country, but nowadays Central Otago takes south to a whole new level.
Plenty of sunshine hours, relatively low rainfall and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc the region is renowned for. Other whites grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling wines. Pinot Noir dominates the red varieties grown, though is typically lighter bodied than Central Otago or Martinborough Pinots.
Located just south of Burgundy, the French wine region of Beaujolais covers an impressive area of 22,000 hectares between Mâcon and Lyon. Although this wine region was famous for being associated with dull, diluted wine in the past, its reputation has since only improved, proving their worth to wine lovers all over the world with their endless variety of wines, ranging from fresh and light to refined and lush wines. 98 percent of the vineyards here are made up of the famous Gamay grapes, with the exception of a small amount of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which are used to make white wines. Gamay grapes are known to make luscious red wines that have a light to medium body, moderate tannin, relatively low acidity and contain aromas of berries such as raspberry, tart cherry and cranberry. The region of Beaujolais is home to ten named village Crus: St Amour, Juliénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié (a Cru since 1988), Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly. When compared to most other Beaujolais wines, the Crus of this region are more concentrated and have much more character and can be kept for up to ten years.
Beaujolais is blessed with a temperate climate and shares its summer weather with the Mediterranean Sea due to its close proximity, but the location is also interior enough to experience cold dry weather from the Northeast. The soil of Beaujolais is an important component in defining the different styles of wines in the region. Towards the south of the town of Villefrance, the soil is made up of sandstone or clay and limestone. In the north, the soils are comprised of granite or crystalline rock on the upper slopes, and in the lower slopes they are made up of stone and clay soils.
The region is located on the northern end of the south island, nestled around the town of Blenheim, and for many years was a sheep region. It was Montana wines, who in 1973 planted the first vines in the region “too far south to grow good wine.” At the time the region was the southernmost region in the country, but nowadays Central Otago takes south to a whole new level.
Plenty of sunshine hours, relatively low rainfall and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc the region is renowned for. Other whites grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling wines. Pinot Noir dominates the red varieties grown, though is typically lighter bodied than Central Otago or Martinborough Pinots.
Located just south of Burgundy, the French wine region of Beaujolais covers an impressive area of 22,000 hectares between Mâcon and Lyon. Although this wine region was famous for being associated with dull, diluted wine in the past, its reputation has since only improved, proving their worth to wine lovers all over the world with their endless variety of wines, ranging from fresh and light to refined and lush wines. 98 percent of the vineyards here are made up of the famous Gamay grapes, with the exception of a small amount of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which are used to make white wines. Gamay grapes are known to make luscious red wines that have a light to medium body, moderate tannin, relatively low acidity and contain aromas of berries such as raspberry, tart cherry and cranberry. The region of Beaujolais is home to ten named village Crus: St Amour, Juliénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié (a Cru since 1988), Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly. When compared to most other Beaujolais wines, the Crus of this region are more concentrated and have much more character and can be kept for up to ten years.
Beaujolais is blessed with a temperate climate and shares its summer weather with the Mediterranean Sea due to its close proximity, but the location is also interior enough to experience cold dry weather from the Northeast. The soil of Beaujolais is an important component in defining the different styles of wines in the region. Towards the south of the town of Villefrance, the soil is made up of sandstone or clay and limestone. In the north, the soils are comprised of granite or crystalline rock on the upper slopes, and in the lower slopes they are made up of stone and clay soils.
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- Sourced from the picturesque Wairau Valley in Marlborough, the fruit is harvested early, which is then pressed to tank for fermentation. A controlled ferment with hand selected yeast ensures aroma and fruit character are retained. The ferment is stopped early ... Learn MoreGiesen 'Lighter In Alcohol' Sauvignon Blanc 2017$13.99 Per item
- Made by Aussie winemaker Corey Ryan & ex Villa Maria winemaker Rod Macdonald. In September 2020, Rod was named on a who’s who list of top global winemakers – The Master Winemaker 100 – as compiled by reputable magazine the drinks business (UK). Rod ... Learn MoreKindred Spirits Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019$17.00 Per itemOut of stock
- The grapes for this wine came from two sites in the Awatere Valley and were machine-harvested at optimum ripeness to produce a medium-bodied wine with luscious tropical fruit, white peach, and a crisp green apple and lime finish. Taken from ... Learn MoreKopu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020$19.99 Per item
- The fruit sourced for this blend comes from a range of sites throughout Marlborough, harvested separately and treated individually at the winery before blending by taste to achieve the ideal fruit profile and balance. Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc matured in ... Learn MoreTempest Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2019$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- This Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from lower-yielding vineyards on the hillside slopes for greater intensity and whole bunch pressed. The nose is fresh and delicate with restrained aromas of gooseberry and freshly grown grass given complexity by river-stone and white ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020$20.99 Per item
- Made by amazing winemaker Tom Hutchinson, this Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from lower-yielding vineyards on the hillside slopes for greater intensity and whole bunch pressed. The nose is fresh and delicate with restrained aromas of gooseberry and freshly ... Learn More
- Already hugely popular in the European market, United Cellars are proud to be the sole importer of this incredibly enjoyable wine that is easy to drink but with enough complexity to keep every drinker happy. This wine is produced from ... Learn MoreJean-Paul Brun Beaujolais 'Le Ronsay' 2019$24.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Already hugely popular in the European market, United Cellars are proud to be the sole importer of this incredibly enjoyable wine that is easy to drink but with enough complexity to keep every drinker happy. This wine is produced from ... Learn MoreJean-Paul Brun Beaujolais 'Le Ronsay' 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2020$25.99 Per item
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2019$25.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2018$25.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Classic strong citrus characters with lemon and grapefruit prominent, complimented by elderflowers, with smoky and flinty undertones. A juicy and vibrant palate of pure citrus flavours leaving a lengthy finish with refreshing, balanced acidity. Ideally enjoyed as a young wine, ... Learn MoreDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2019$26.99 Per item
- Shows distinctive Awatere characters of elderflower, guava, white currant, lemongrass and passion fruit coupled with lovely ripe tropicals and hints of basil and lime from Wairau components. The nose follows through to the palate - which is fine and soft ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc 2019$26.99 Per item
- Lifted aromas of nashi pear, raspberry, red apple and white florals. The nose follows through to the palate with the same flavours along with savoury undertones which are balanced by fine, supple texture and lingering minerality. Enjoyable to drink now ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra Pinot Gris 2019$26.99 Per item
- Made by ex-Cloudy Bay winemakers, Dog Point is consistently one of the finest examples of Marlborough SB. Classic strong citrus characters with lemon and grapefruit prominent, complimented by elderflowers, with smoky and flinty undertones. A juicy and vibrant palate of ... Learn MoreDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2017$28.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Has the aromatic spice and weight of Gewurztraminer, the structure and length of Riesling, and the great texture of Pinot Gris in a perfectly balanced 75%/16%/9% blend. It is a delicious, co-fermented field blend from a single vineyard. Intensely perfumed, this ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra 'Toru' 2019$29.99 Per item
- Made for United Cellars by New Zealand winemaking superstars Matt and Sophie Thomson. Matt was head winemaker at St Clair, but has made wines across all of New Zealand as well as in Chile, Italy, France, Spain, Romania and Hungary. ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- Made for United Cellars by New Zealand winemaking superstars Matt and Sophie Thomson. Matt was head winemaker at St Clair, but has made wines across all of New Zealand as well as in Chile, Italy, France, Spain, Romania and Hungary. ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- With aromas of tart small red fruits and boiled sweets, and a palate that is soft, fleshy and crunchy with the tartness of fresh red berry fruit: Morello cherry, raspberry, strawberry. Enjoy within 2 years ... Learn MoreDomaine Du Vissoux Beaujolais 'Les Griottes' 2017$33.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. The famed Marlborough producer's sparkling. It's one of the best consistently from over the ditch and has genuine French-like class. Sourcing Non-Vintage sparkling wine ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Pelorus Sparkling Nv$33.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. A vibrant mix of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom. Brimming with ripe citrus and ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2020$34.90 Per item
- "From his base in southern Beaujolais, Pierre Chermette has become one of the beacons of Beaujolais quality…” David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate “Few Beaujolais growers are in a position to pronounce on the region’s different terroirs ... Learn MorePierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Les Griottes 2019$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "From his base in southern Beaujolais, Pierre Chermette has become one of the beacons of Beaujolais quality…” David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate “Few Beaujolais growers are in a position to pronounce on the region’s different terroirs ... Learn MorePierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Les Griottes 2018$34.99 Per item
- Chalky and flinty mineral notes are followed by citrus, capsicum and pretty white flower aromas. This wine has good balance, a very nice acid presence and a smooth finish. It is tangy, round, soft, super fruity and easy to drink. ... Learn MoreClos Henri 'Petit Clos' Sauvignon Blanc 2016$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Drinking great now - Will cellar well for 3-5 years. ... Learn MoreDog Point 'Section 94' Sauvignon Blanc 2013$37.99 Per item
- Already hugely popular in the European market, United Cellars is proud to be the sole importer of this incredibly enjoyable wine. Intensely floral nose of potpourri, dried lavender and blueberries. Soft, light mineral tannins, earthy spices but plenty of blue ... Learn MoreJean-Paul Brun Fleurie Beaujolais 2018$39.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Already hugely popular in the European market, United Cellars are proud to be the sole importer of this incredibly enjoyable wine that is easy to drink but with enough complexity to keep every drinker happy. Classic Moulin a Vent with ... Learn MoreJean Paul Brun Moulin A Vent Beaujolais 2018$39.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. A vibrant mix of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom. Brimming with ripe citrus and ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2019$39.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDog Point Pinot Noir 2017$44.99 Per item
- Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDog Point Pinot Noir 2016$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Vissoux's exemplary old vines bottling was first crafted in 1986 at the behest of Jean Brouilly, the then Michelin-starred chef of Tarare restaurant. The idea behind this wine when it was first produced was to be a counter reaction to the ... Learn MorePierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Origine Vieilles Vignes 2017$46.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. It has a seriously enticing Pinot nose of strawberries, earthy mushrooms and smoky spice. The palate is soft, delicious and integrated with red berry ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2018$57.99 Per item
- A ripe tropical and citrus bouquet, with underlying flinty minerality. In the mouth the wine is textural and rich from the lees aging with layers of minerals, lime, orange blossom and profound acidity balancing this dry, elegant wine. Ageing potential: 5 ... Learn MoreClos Henri Sauvignon Blanc 2017$59.99 Per item
- This wine has been co-fermented the Syrah with 7% Grüner Veltliner skins instead of the traditional Viognier. Whole-bunches made up 60% of the ferment. This marriage of varieties gives this wine a panoply of ripe fruit characters – raspberry and boysenberry fruit ... Learn MoreBlank Canvas Syrah 2015$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- “18 was abundant, so there’s work to be done now as I hadn’t much to sell from the 16 and 17 vintages – so now heading to salons after having done none in the last two years! 2018 was a year without hail, ... Learn MoreDomaine Mee Godard Morgon "Corcelette" 2018$69.99 Per item
- "It is the most complete Pinot Noir which shows the best of all previous vintages. It has the density of the 2008 and the finesse and freshness of the 2009.” Damien Yvon, Winemaker ... Learn MoreClos Henri Pinot Noir 2010$75.00 Per itemOut of stock
- A unique wine, and not a typcal Beaujolais. This Gamay sourced from the region it treated in much the same way as a Burgundian Pinot Noir. With zero carbonic maceration and French oak treatment, this is a true sensory delight. ... Learn MoreDomaine Af Gros Moulin A Vent 2018$84.00 Per item
- Barrel-aged for 18 months. Wonderfully fresh and floral with aromas of ripe stone fruit and exotic fruits. Full-bodied, it is weighty and sweet-fruited, with generous, ripe, peachy, slightly toasty and buttery flavours, good complexity, and a finely textured, well-rounded finish. Released ... Learn MoreHans Herzog Chardonnay 2009$85.00 Per itemOut of stock
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Who will win the Test Match of Taste? 2 wines selected as being perfectly regional expressions of their variety go head to head. Both are delicious & refreshing - choosing a winner is difficult!
... Learn MoreOut of stock - “18 was abundant, so there’s work to be done now as I hadn’t much to sell from the 16 and 17 vintages – so now heading to salons after having done none in the last two years! 2018 was a year without hail, ... Learn MoreDomaine Mee Godard Moulin A Vent "Au Michelon" 2018$89.99 Per item