Celebrate Summer with a New Style of Wines from Kendall-Jackson AVANT®

SANTA ROSA, Calif., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for summer, Kendall-Jackson expanded its K-J AVANT collection of wines to now include a Red Blend and Sauvignon Blanc. These new varietals join K-J AVANT Chardonnay, which has received 90 point scores from key wine critics since its launch in 2011. These expressive, fruit-forward wines are perfect to pair with grilled favorites and their easy-open screw top closures make them perfect to enjoy anywhere. Whether a picnic at the park or beach, backyard barbeque or an impromptu get-together, these new wines from Kendall-Jackson AVANT offer a perfect pairing for every occasion.

Expressive and fruit-forward, K-J AVANT is a new style of wines from the maker of America's number one Chardonnay. These elegant wines are the perfect companion for a Tuesday game night, weekend lake trip or movie night in.  With summer on the horizon, other than working on vacation plans and perfecting that tan, hanging with friends and family is always top of everyone's list.

"At Kendall-Jackson our focus is always on the quality and consistency of the wines we've been crafting over the last two decades," said Randy Ullom, winemaster, Kendall-Jackson. "We're excited to release these new wines for those who prefer expressive, vibrant wines with a little less oak than our traditional Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve. These wines are made even more enjoyable around a patio table with friends or on a picnic blanket paired with your favorite summer fare."

The three new wines, now available in stores nationwide, include:

• 2013 K-J AVANT Chardonnay (SRP $17) is delicious in tropical fruit, green apple, pear and fresh lemon flavors, brightened with medium acidity from its coastal-grown grapes. This wine is cold-fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels to preserve the vibrance of the fruit's character. Stainless steel tanks retain fresh, fruit flavors of green apple and lemon drop, while subtle use of neutral oak adds a graceful mid-palate structure. This wine pairs well with homemade guacamole and tortilla chips or caramel swirl ice cream.
• 2012 K-J AVANT Red Blend (SRP $17) is aged in neutral oak barrels offering rich, fruit flavors and silky elegance on the palate. Enticing aromas of ripe raspberry and bold black cherry are complemented by hints of spice and dark chocolate to deliver a smooth and lingering finish.  Expressive and versatile, it can be paired with your favorite cut of steak or charbroiled burgers on the grill.
• 2013 K-J AVANT Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $13) is handcrafted to showcase elegance and bright fruit flavors. Bright, crisp and fresh, this wine is cold-fermented in stainless steel to preserve the grape's alluring fruit-forward aromatics with notable flavors of lime, tangerine and passion fruit.  This is the perfect porch-drinking wine—complementing a warm, summer evening with friends over light appetizers like hummus, seasonal veggies and fresh goat cheese.

To learn more about Kendall-Jackson AVANT, visit KJ.com/AVANT for easy recipes, essentials for the perfect summer picnics and how to make the most of your summer right now.  Share how you're celebrating summer with #KJAVANT on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/KJwines.

ABOUT KENDALL-JACKSON

Kendall-Jackson is one of America's most beloved family-owned and operated wineries. Founded by the late entrepreneur and visionary Jess Jackson and his wife Barbara Banke, Kendall-Jackson is based in Sonoma County and offers a range of acclaimed wines grown in the family's estate vineyards along the coastal ridges of California. A leader in sustainable vineyard and winery practices, including solar cogeneration, water conservation and natural pest control, 100% of Kendall-Jackson's vineyards are SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified and CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) recognized.

Learn more online at KJ.com/AVANT. Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/KJwines and https://www.facebook.com/kjwines and for great tips on spontaneous ways to make the most of your summer visit http://blog.kj.com/.

Kendall-Jackson, Santa Rosa, CA

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SOURCE Kendall-Jackson