In an extraordinary night for Cuvar Winery, the Guardians Chardonnay 2021 took home three coveted trophies at the Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards, winning Best Chardonnay, Best Single Vineyard Wine, and the ultimate title, Champion Wine of the Show.

Cuvar Winery is the vision of legendary wine entrepreneur Sir George Fistonich, founder of Villa Maria. Launched in late 2023, the winery’s remarkable success in such a short time is nothing short of extraordinary. These awards are a testament to the exceptional team the Fistonich family has assembled, their decades of combined experience, and the vineyards they have carefully nurtured.

Crafted from pristine fruit grown on the Rivermere Vineyard along the Ngaruroro River, the Guardians Chardonnay 2021 captures the warmth and stability of Hawke’s Bay’s outstanding 2021 vintage. It offers a vibrant profile of stone fruits, baked apples, cinnamon, and allspice, balanced by refreshing acidity and a natural ferment component that enhances both complexity and suppleness.

The wine was crafted from Clone 15, 100% hand-picked, fermented with natural yeast, and matured for 10 months on yeast lees, with a partial natural malolactic fermentation to enhance texture.

“My father and I are so proud to celebrate such early success with our new family winery. This award-winning wine is an early indication of more fine chardonnays to come”, says Karen Fistonich, Cuvar Winery, Executive Director.

Sir George founded Cuvar Winery to help preserve and nurture the essence of New Zealand fine wine; these awards mark an incredible milestone for the Fistonich family, which inspires them to keep building Hawke’s Bays fine wine story.

Cuvar, Guardians Collection, Chardonnay, Rivermere Vineyard, Hawkes Bay 2021 – RRP 750ml $44.99
Available direct at https://www.cuvarwinery.com/ and through select wine retailers.