Kindeli Blanco 2023

Kindeli is an innovative and dynamic wine project led by Alex Craighead, a visionary, natural winemaker who has quickly become one of New Zealand's most exciting figures in the wine industry. Located on the rugged and remote South Island, specifically in Upper Moutere near Nelson, Craighead's work is defined by a deep commitment to natural winemaking principles and a respect for the environment.

Since establishing Kindeli in 2016, Craighead has been working in near-total isolation, allowing him to focus intensely on his craft and develop a winemaking style that is uniquely his own. The vineyard spans approximately 5 hectares and is planted on a cold, north-facing slope, ideal for cultivating grapes with high acidity and expressive character. The coastal region of Nelson, where Kindeli is based, is characterized by its windswept landscapes, wild terrain, and sparse population—more reminiscent of the remote areas of Patagonia or the Pacific Northwest than the traditional wine regions of Europe.

Craighead sources his grapes exclusively from organic or biodynamic vineyards, ensuring that the fruit he works with is of the highest quality and free from chemical interventions. This dedication to natural viticulture extends to the winemaking process, where Craighead employs minimal intervention techniques. His wines are made with indigenous yeasts, without added sulfur dioxide (SO2), and are neither fined nor filtered, allowing the purest expression of the grapes and terroir to shine through.

The wines produced under the Kindeli label are known for their vibrant energy, complexity, and a distinct sense of place. Unlike many New Zealand wines, which often nod to European traditions, Kindeli wines are unbound by conventional winemaking influences, resulting in a style that is entirely Craighead's own. His approach embraces the wild and untamed nature of the region, producing wines that are as expressive and unique as the landscapes they come from.

Craighead's innovative techniques and commitment to natural wine have not only set Kindeli apart in New Zealand but have also garnered international attention. His wines, while rooted in the soils of New Zealand, speak to a global movement toward sustainability and authenticity in winemaking, making Kindeli a beacon for natural wine enthusiasts worldwide.

New Zealand, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, is also a powerhouse in the world of wine. Despite being a relatively young wine-producing country, New Zealand has quickly gained a global reputation for producing high-quality wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc. The country's diverse climate and varied terroirs across its North and South Islands contribute to the unique character of its wines, making New Zealand a must-know region for wine enthusiasts.

Marlborough

Location: Northeastern tip of the South Island

Famous For: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir

Marlborough is undoubtedly the most famous wine region in New Zealand, accounting for nearly 77% of the country's total wine production. The region's cool, sunny climate, combined with its well-drained, stony soils, is ideal for producing the world-renowned Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its intense aromatics, vibrant acidity, and distinctive flavors of gooseberry, passion fruit, and green bell pepper. Pinot Noir is also gaining traction here, offering bright red fruit flavors and a silky texture.

Central Otago

Location: Central South Island

Famous For: Pinot Noir

Central Otago is the southernmost wine region in the world and is celebrated for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy. The region's continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, combined with its unique schist soils, allows Pinot Noir to thrive. Wines from Central Otago are known for their purity, with vibrant red and black fruit flavors and earthy and spicy undertones. The region also produces high-quality Chardonnay and aromatic whites like Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Hawke's Bay

Location: Eastern North Island

Famous For: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Hawke's Bay is the second-largest wine-producing region in New Zealand and is often referred to as the Bordeaux of the Southern Hemisphere. The region's warm climate and diverse soil types, including gravelly alluvial soils, are perfect for growing Bordeaux-style red varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Hawke's Bay Syrah, with its peppery notes and deep fruit flavors, is also gaining international acclaim. Additionally, the region produces rich, full-bodied Chardonnays.

Martinborough

Location: Southern North Island, near Wellington

Famous For: Pinot Noir

Martinborough, part of the Wairarapa region, is known for its boutique wineries and exceptional Pinot Noir. The region's climate closely mirrors Burgundy's, with cool, dry conditions ideal for growing Pinot Noir. Martinborough wines are known for their complexity, with layers of dark cherry, plum, and savory spices. The region also produces excellent Chardonnay and aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

Waipara Valley

Location: North Canterbury, South Island

Famous For: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Waipara Valley is an emerging wine region known for its limestone-rich soils and warm, dry climate, perfect for producing elegant and aromatic wines. Riesling from Waipara Valley is highly regarded for its balance of acidity and sweetness, often displaying notes of citrus, stone fruits, and minerality. The region's Pinot Noir is also gaining recognition for its bright fruit flavors and refined tannins. Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer are other notable varieties from this area.

Gisborne

Location: Eastern North Island

Famous For: Chardonnay

Gisborne is often called the "Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand" because it focuses on this variety. The region's warm, sunny climate and fertile alluvial soils create ideal conditions for producing rich, full-bodied Chardonnays with tropical fruit flavors and a creamy texture. Gisborne is also home to many aromatic wines, including Gewürztraminer and Viognier.

Nelson

Location: Northern South Island

Famous For: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Aromatic Whites

Nelson, located near Marlborough, is known for its small, family-owned wineries and artisan approach to winemaking. The region enjoys a sunny maritime climate and a long growing season, contributing to its wines' bright, aromatic quality. Nelson produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and a range of aromatic whites such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. The wines from Nelson are often described as having a lifted, pure fruit character.

Auckland

Location: Northern North Island

Famous For: Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah

Auckland is one of New Zealand's oldest wine regions, with a diverse range of microclimates and soil types that allow for producing a wide variety of wines. The region is mainly known for its Bordeaux-style red blends, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon leading the way. Syrah and Chardonnay are also significant, with wines often displaying rich, ripe flavors and a balanced structure.

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