{"title":"Cuvar Wines","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"cuvar-iris-marlborough-sauvignon-blanc-2023","title":"Čuvar Iris Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith his inspiring energy and lifelong dedication to pioneering progression in the wine industry, Čuvar is the vision of legendary wine entrepreneur, Sir George Fistonich. Sir George founded Čuvar Winery to help preserve and nurture the essence of New Zealand fine wine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"From one of the region's highest vineyards, this flavour-packed wine was estate-grown 300m above sea level in the upper Awatere Valley. Bright, light lemon\/green, it has fresh, penetrating, melon and green capsicum flavours. It's crisp, lively, dry and lingering\" Michael Cooper, Nov 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"There’s no mistaking the purity and pungency of this style and expression, a bouquet of crunchy red apple, tropical fruits and white peaches laced with fresh sage and Thai-basil scents.  Crisp and just dry with a satin first touch, vibrant acid line and power with fresh white fleshed orchard fruits, tropical and lime citrus flavours. New, fresh and delicious, a wine ready for drinking from 2024 through 2026\" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jan 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA beautifully structured wine with flavours reminiscent of limes and nettle flowers with hints of green melon wrapped around a delicious acidity and natural fruit ripeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard is on an isolated peninsular of land that is surrounded by very deep ravines covered in 30ha. of native bush which is now a conservation area closed to grazing. The vineyard holds itself proud 300 meters above sea level. It’s altitude, sheltered northerly aspect and spectacular inland location provide a high diurnal temperature range, evenness of and suitability of soils that combined, give us the ability to grow grapes and produce wines of identity and intensity. The space is soul food for winemakers and visitors alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarlborough had a picture-perfect 2023 harvest with cool nights and clear blue sky days. Tasting the fruit prior to harvest you could imagine the wine it eventually would make. We had the luxury to harvest at the optimal time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMachine harvested and coolish fermented with Sauvignon Blanc-specific yeast. A textbook life where the vineyard dictated the wine precisely. 100% tank fermented and kept on primary lees for four month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairing: We love this wine with seafood, especially shellfish and it goes beautifully with smoked cheeses and crisp green salads.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488542794045,"sku":null,"price":155.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/23566-1.jpg?v=1729033977"},{"product_id":"cuvar-iris-new-zealand-rose-2023","title":"Čuvar Iris New Zealand Rosé 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith his inspiring energy and lifelong dedication to pioneering progression in the wine industry, Čuvar is the vision of legendary wine entrepreneur, Sir George Fistonich. Sir George founded Čuvar Winery to help preserve and nurture the essence of New Zealand fine wine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/Scale_1.png?v=1740367680\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Aromas and flavours of red berries and roasted stone fruits, a touch of lees and caramelised fruit flesh. Additional flavours of tropical tea and rosehip add breadth and depth. Crisp and just dry with a core of fruit flavours, plenty of acidity and even finish. Best drinking from 2024 through end of summer 2026.A true rose appearance with a hue of red the deep peach and salmon\" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jan 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotes of rose petals and creaming soda on the bouquet lead to a raspberry cream fruit on the palate, finishing with a wonderfully balanced acidity with a whisper of natural fruit sweetness just to round off with aplomb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBallochdale Pinot Noir 80% A spectacular location 300 meters above sea level sees this Marlborough vineyard produces wines of identity and intensity. Cornerstone Syrah 20% This exceptional vineyard on Hawke’s Bays’ Gimblett Gravels is renowned for Syrah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicture perfect vintage in Marlborough where the majority of the fruit came from to make this sumptuous Rose. The remainder was sourced from central Hawkes Bay that weathered a complicated vintage but we were lucky enough for the fruit to be too young to be affected at the time and had the chance to ripen to its full potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe varieties were de-stemmed and drained in a press to extract the gently coloured juice. The varieties were fermented separately at a coolish temp (around 14 degrees). We used a yeast specific to rosé vinification, the wines were kept on their natural yeast lees for several months before being racked and blended, filtered and bottled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairing: We sip this in the sun with antipasto platters, fresh crunchy salads, smoked chicken and salmon. In fact, we’d sip it pretty much everywhere!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488542826813,"sku":null,"price":155.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/23567-1.jpg?v=1729033977"},{"product_id":"cuvar-iris-hawkes-bay-chardonnay-2022","title":"Čuvar Iris Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith his inspiring energy and lifelong dedication to pioneering progression in the wine industry, Čuvar is the vision of legendary wine entrepreneur, Sir George Fistonich. Sir George founded Čuvar Winery to help preserve and nurture the essence of New Zealand fine wine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Familiar scents and flavours of peaches and cream with a clay and lees touches, some vanilla and wood smoke from a lick of oak. On the palate the wine touches with a satin-cream mouthfeel then acidity and some fine tannins add breadth, texture and length. Fruit flavours are persistent with a citrus peel touch, balanced and well made, ready to drink from day of purchase through 2026\" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jan 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA forthright bouquet introducing bursts of candied tropical fruits intertwined with notes reminiscent of warm fruit crumble. Gentle oak wraps around the palate of balanced acid and ripe fruit – this Chardonnay is a crowd pleaser where nothing is too dominant with the fruit, oak, acid and flavours all sing in harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1986 George Fistonich gently carved out the terraced vineyard that follows the natural contours of a hillside basked in sunlight, with arguably one of the best views in Hawke’s Bay looking out to the Pacific Ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022 was a complicated vintage that saw our winemakers and viticulturists work closely with each other. Drawing on their collective expertise they watched the weather forecasts, continuously throughout the day to ensure picking scheduling was exact, maximising the sun for as long as possible. We hand picked our Čuvar Terrace Chardonnay in two parcels to best capture the flavour and acid profiles this vineyard creates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e30% tank fermented then moved to barrel 100% barrel matured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairing: Our Iris Chardonnay goes beautifully with caramelised savoury dishes. We are particularly fond of glazed salmon, roast beetroot and goats cheese salad and manuka smoked chicken on freekeh.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488542859581,"sku":null,"price":179.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/23568-1.jpg?v=1729033978"},{"product_id":"cuvar-iris-hawkes-bay-merlot-cabernet-franc-2022","title":"Čuvar Iris Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith his inspiring energy and lifelong dedication to pioneering progression in the wine industry, Čuvar is the vision of legendary wine entrepreneur, Sir George Fistonich. Sir George founded Čuvar Winery to help preserve and nurture the essence of New Zealand fine wine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"A captivating bouquet of dark berries, baking spices, dried herbs and olives. Flavours of roasted plums and kalamata olives, sweet spices of barrel and gently warming alcohol lead to a palate of texture and layers of fruit flavours, spices of wood and firmness of tannins and acidity. With each subsequent sip the wine gains some concentration and builds on the foundation of ripe fruit, judicious use of wood and youthfulness of acidity. A lovely example with best drinking alongside food with best drinking from late 2024 through 2029\" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jan 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Already highly enjoyable, this single-vineyard red from the Gimblett Gravels is mouthfilling, with fresh plum and red berry flavours showing excellent depth, gently spicy, nutty notes adding complexity, and ripe, supple tannins. It's a top example of the drink-young style\" Michael Cooper, Nov 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlot sets up the palate’s ripeness and structure while the Cabernet Franc compliments with sweet dried basil notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCornerstone vineyard is planted in the famous Gimblett Gravels appellation. The canopy was kept open to ensure airflow around the bunches which kept them clean and open to sunlight. This meant that the fruit was picked at the exact time we needed to make the wine, rather than be dictated by the weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022 was a complicated vintage that saw our winemakers and viticulturists work closely with each other, drawing on their collective expertise. Watching the weather forecasts continuously throughout the day to ensure picking scheduling was exact, maximising the sun for as long as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe varieties were hand-picked, de-stemmed into vessels and fermented separately. Gentle pump overs at varying times during the fermentation cycle extracted the ripe firm tannins. Natural yeast was used on 30% of the wine with added yeast on the remainder. Once the fermentation had completed the wines were pressed off to French barriques for a 1-month duration where they underwent natural malolactic fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermented in stainless steel and matured in 100% French oak barriques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairing: Our Merlot Cabernet Franc is a great match with grilled meats and wood-fired veggies. Pair it with tomato-based pasta and rich mushroom risotto or simply finish an evening with a glass and dark chocolate - a brilliantly indulgent combo!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488542892349,"sku":null,"price":179.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/23569-1.jpg?v=1729033978"},{"product_id":"cuvar-guardian-cornerstone-vineyard-hawkes-bay-rose-2023","title":"Čuvar Guardian Cornerstone Vineyard Hawke's Bay Rosé 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Cabernet Franc is the best grape for Rosé in Hawke's Bay,' believes winemaker Michelle Richardson. The bright, light pink 2023 vintage (4.5*) was made from Cabernet Franc grapes, hand-picked in the Cornerstone Vineyard, in the Gimblett Gravels. Tank-fermented and lees-aged, it has vibrant, delicate flavours of watermelon and strawberries, fresh acidity and a dry (3.5 grams\/litre of residual sugar) finish\" Michael Cooper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/Scale_1.png?v=1740367680\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/Scale_-_Dry.png?v=1773371321\" alt=\"Scale_-_Dry\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eBright, even, pale blush pink. The nose is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003efull\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, with aromas of red berry, pomegranate, blossom and savoury meatiness. Medium-light bodied, aromas of red berry and pomegranate melded with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003esavoury\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e nuances, blossom and a touch of peppercorn. The fruit is delicate with lovely freshness and balance; stony mineral texture provides substance and lends a moreish, linear finish\" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Apr 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heady bouquet of pink peppercorns and creaming soda is wrapped around the flavours to this beautifully rounded and lengthy Rosé. The natural fruit acidity gives length and the fruit weight gives a surprising sophistication with a smooth finish to the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cornerstone vineyard on the Gimblett Gravels is a unique vineyard that has incredible draining capacity. The canopy was kept open to ensure airflow around the bunches which kept them clean and open to sunlight. This meant that the fruit was picked at the exact time we needed to make the wine, rather than be dictated by the weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2023 vintage had a complicated beginning with the infamous Cyclone Gabrielle, thankfully the Cabernet Franc in this wine was too young to be affected and proceeded to ripen to its full potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% tank fermented and kept on primary lees. Fermented slowly with a specific Rosé yeast at around 18 degrees until a smidgen of natural fruit residual sugar was left, to which the ferment was halted with refrigeration and wine left on its own lees for several months until filtered and bottled.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488561209661,"sku":null,"price":209.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/23957-1.jpg?v=1729034117"},{"product_id":"cuvar-guardian-rivermere-vineyard-gimblett-gravels-chardonnay-2021","title":"Čuvar Guardian Rivermere Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"There’s a definitive complexity within the bouquet of this wine, aromas of place then fruit, careful selection of barrels and skilled winemaking. As the wine opens out in glass a touch of gun-flint delivers a youthful quality then scents of stone fruits, nut and citrus fruits. Full-boded, warm and generous as the wine touches the palate, textures and flavours of white and yellow fruits, oak and wood spices, gun-flint, brazil-nut, and complexity. A delicious wine ticking the boxes of texture and flavour, a backbone of acidity with a lengthy complex finish. Best drinking from mid to late 2024 through 2030\" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jan 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the first sip, this wine displays an array of stone fruits and baked apples with cinnamon and allspice. These flavours are wrapped around a noble pillar of fruit acid that supports this wine right through to the finish and leaves you wanting more. The natural ferment component contributes to the suppleness of the palate adding complexity as well as enhancing the unwavering finish. An embodiment of what a fabulous Hawke’s Bay vintage can do. Clone 15.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRivermere (formerly Lyon’s) (100%) Nestled against the Ngaruroro River on the Gimblett Gravels, the oldest planting dates back 30 odd years. Legend has it the wide-spaced rows in the old block of Chardonnay were planted to ensure the then owner could drive his tractor home from the local pub! These wide rows mean the yields here are very low per ha. The canopy is open and disease pressure is minimal. As winemakers we covet this vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 Hawke’s Bay vintage experienced remarkable warm, dry conditions, and stability, enabling the early harvest of the majority of the fruit in the region. This yielded fruit rich with ripe flavours and in impeccable condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488561242429,"sku":null,"price":269.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/23958-1.jpg?v=1729034117"},{"product_id":"cuvar-guardian-ballochdale-vineyard-marlborough-sauvignon-blanc-2023","title":"Čuvar Guardian Ballochdale Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eBright, even, pale yellow. The nose is elegantly expressed with aromas of citrus, guava, elderflower and a touch of herb. Medium-bodied, aromas of lemon, lime melded with guava, elderflower, basil and white spice. A mineral-textured palate led by a taut yet fine acid line persists to a complex, crisp, long finish\" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Apr 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine reminds me of walking barefoot on a camomile lawn as the flower aromas waft up and wrap itself around the complimenting nettle and citrus notes with a very subtle nose of the beginning of making a roux sauce – gently toasted butter and flour. This is the result of fermenting a portion in very used oak barriques and lees maturation. A delightful expression of nature’s harmony with a little dressing up from the winemaking in every sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBallochdale, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 100% The vineyard holds itself proud 300 meters above sea level. It’s altitude, sheltered northerly aspect and spectacular inland location provide a high diurnal temperature range, and evenness of and suitability of soils that combined, give us the ability to grow grapes and produce wines of identity and intensity. The space is soul food for winemakers and visitors alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2023 was a textbook vintage for Marlborough. Clear blue-sky days with sporadic clouds and cool nights, which Sauvignon Blanc thrives on and ensures fruit purity. We hand-picked at the optimal time off a specific slope on a block that received the most sun, to ensure we captured the ripeness of the fruit and the acidity necessary to craft a perfectly balanced wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40% tank fermented in various vessels to enable a wide range of yeast and fermentation temperatures to add to the development of the palate structure. 60% in used oak barriques of which 50% underwent natural ferment. The wines were left on their yeast lees until just prior to blending.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488591978813,"sku":null,"price":209.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/24590-1.jpg?v=1729034345"},{"product_id":"cuvar-guardian-ballochdale-vineyard-marlborough-pinot-noir-2023","title":"Čuvar Guardian Ballochdale Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eThis is immensely complex and seductive, showing dark berry, clove, star anise, rich floral and nutmeg aromas with a hint of porcini. The concentrated palate exhibits outstanding depth and presence, superbly supported by plush texture and finely infused tannins. Wonderfully structured and harmonious with a sustained, satisfying finish\" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Moderate;y deep ruby-red with a purple hue. The nose is elegant and gentle, with aromas of black and red cherry, cranberry, young plum, hibiscus and spice. Medium-bodied, aromas of red and black cherry melded with cranberry, young plum, hibiscus, unfolding, black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. The fruit is lifted and bright, supported by lively acidity. Dusty, supple tannins lightly adorn a silky mouthfeel, lending an enticing finish. This Pinot Noir is elegantly expressed with purity and freshness on a silky mouthfeel\" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Jul 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright ruby red with a slight garnet hue, and an inviting nose with aromas of ripe red cherry, cranberry and accented hints of savoury earthiness. Overall, this wine displays a vibrancy and ripe red fruit profile typical of the region along with added depth, structure and spicy nuances from ageing in French oak barriques. While still youthful, the wine already shows nice complexity from the oak maturation and will age gracefully well into the end of the decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBallochdale, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 100% The vineyard holds itself proud 300 meters above sea level. It’s altitude, sheltered northerly aspect and spectacular inland location provide a high diurnal temperature range, and evenness of and suitability of soils that combined, give us the ability to grow grapes and produce wines of identity and intensity. The space is soul food for winemakers and visitors alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2023 in Marlborough was a textbook growing season for us out at Ballochdale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% hand-picked. 5% whole bunch fermented; remainder destemmed no crushing. 80% indigenous yeast ferment; 100% oak matured in 37% new French barrique and the remainder seasoned oak for a total of 10 months. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally during the spring months of 2023. 100% small vat (2 – 3 tonne parcels) hand plunged.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488592011581,"sku":null,"price":269.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/24591-1.jpg?v=1729034346"},{"product_id":"cuvar-iris-marlborough-pinot-noir-2023","title":"Čuvar Iris Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eComplex and enticing, the fragrant bouquet shows dark cherry, dried herb, warm mushroom and roasted nut characters, followed by a sensually appealing palate that's succulent and fleshy. It's finely flowing through the mouth, finishing impressively long and velvety. At its best: now to 2031\" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Moderately deep ruby-red with a purple hue. The nose is gently full and poised, with aromas of black cherry, plum, delicate floral and spice. Medium-bodied, aromas of black cherry and plum entwined with cherry blossom, cinnamon, nutmeg and cocoa powder. The spices are well-proportioned and refined, melded with cocoa and reminiscent of black forest cake. Dusty, supple tannins leave a silky linger. This Pinot Noir is well-made and elegant with a silky, black forest cake expression\" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Jul 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"As well as a fine prompt to look up those special-character codes on your keyboard, Čuvar is Sir George Fistonich’s new wine brand. Despite a career in the New Zealand wine industry spanning six decades, the Villa Maria founder established Čuvar (pronounced ‘chew-var’) only in late 2023 — although chief winemaker Michelle Richardson, who was previously overseas, had been spotted at wineries in the country well before the release, setting many a tongue wagging. Bright red fruits, blackcurrants and dried oregano with sumptuous freshness and great texture on the palate\" Metro Top 50, Metro Wine Awards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bouquet reminiscent of Christmas cake mix and chocolate. Gorgeous ripe dried fruit notes with a hint of spice on the front palate. The structure reminiscent of delicate silk over homespun linen. A timeless crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBallochdale Pinot Noir 100% The vineyard is on an isolated peninsular of land that is surrounded by very deep ravines covered in 30ha. of native bush. The vineyard holds itself proud 300 meters above sea level. It’s altitude, sheltered northerly aspect and spectacular inland location provide a high diurnal temperature range, and evenness of and suitability of soils that combined, give us the ability to grow grapes and produce wines of identity and intensity. The space is soul food for winemakers and visitors alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarlborough had a picture-perfect 2023 harvest with cool nights and clear blue sky days. Tasting the fruit prior to harvest you could imagine the wine it eventually makes. We had the luxury to harvest at the optimal time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blend is made of both hand-pick and machineharvested fruit. We used a small portion of whole bunch ferment with crushed fruit on top; small batches in open fermenters that were hand plunged and both natural and Pinot specific yeast were used. Once pressed off skins, the wines were matured in used and seasoned oak until just prior to blending. 100% tank fermented and oak barrique matured on secondary lees.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49488592142653,"sku":null,"price":179.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/24592-1.jpg?v=1729034347"},{"product_id":"cuvar-iris-hawkes-bay-chardonnay-2023","title":"Čuvar Iris Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith his inspiring energy and lifelong dedication to pioneering progression in the wine industry, Čuvar is the vision of legendary wine entrepreneur, Sir George Fistonich. Sir George founded Čuvar Winery to help preserve and nurture the essence of New Zealand fine wine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA forthright bouquet opens with bursts of candied tropical fruit, layered with warm, comforting notes of fruit crumble. Subtle oak frames the palate, where vibrant acidity and ripe fruit glide together seamlessly. This Chardonnay is a true crowd-pleaser—beautifully balanced, with fruit, oak, acid, and flavour all in perfect harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 vintage began with adversity as Cyclone Gabrielle struck Hawke’s Bay on February 14th. One of the two vineyards behind this wine was partially flooded, but thanks to the natural slope of the land, we were able to handpick pristine fruit from above the waterline. It was a rewarding moment—finding perfectly ripe grapes after such a turbulent start. Our home block Chardonnay was harvested in two passes, allowing us to capture the full range of flavours and the vibrant acidity this vineyard consistently delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e50% of the fruit was tank fermented while the remainder was fermented with indigenous yeast in used barriques. Lees stirred for several months to aid in palate weight and the development of a little complexity. 100% hand-picked \u0026amp; whole bunch pressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairing: Our Iris Chardonnay goes beautifully with caramelised savoury dishes. We are particularly fond of glazed salmon, roast beetroot and goats cheese salad and manuka smoked chicken on freekeh.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50751267471677,"sku":null,"price":179.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/23568-1.jpg?v=1729033978"},{"product_id":"cuvar-guardian-rivermere-vineyard-gimblett-gravels-chardonnay-2020","title":"Čuvar Guardian Rivermere Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eA very attractive bouquet and palate with a satin-cream texture touching the palate first then flavours of white and yellow peach, toasty barrel selection s showcasing an array of kitchen spices cushioned by flavours of yellow and red apple, sweet grapefruit, peaches and Brazil-nut butter. Plenty of weight and creaminess contrasted by acidity pushing the natural citrus flavours into focus. Well made, lengthy, flinty and precise. A wine that will age well and pair nicely with myriad food options. Best from late 2024 through 2029\" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jan 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"This wine has a well-developed and inviting aroma of lemon drops, peaches and an infused note of almond-biscotti. The palate is medium-to-full in complexity, proudly displaying a restrained intensity of ripe regional stone fruits, lifted by natural fruit acidity. Diligent decisions in the winery have developed a well-balanced structure with layers of character, with a silky texture and an appealing popcorn charm. Time in mixed oak barrels has resulted in a stealth breadth and rewarding length to a classic dry finish\" Gavin Hubble, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gorgeous bouquet ushers you towards a palate rich in complexity with layers of fruit development and silky texture. The natural yeast fermentation developed the stunning secondary fruit flavours that perfectly mirror the bouquet while the careful use of oak barriques has enveloped the wine in a luxurious nutty hug. Clone 15.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNestled against the Ngaruroro River on the Gimblett Gravels, the oldest planting date back 30 odd years. Legend has it the wide-spaced rows in the old block of Chardonnay were planted to ensure the then owner could drive his tractor home from the local pub! These wide rows mean the yields here are very low per ha., the canopy is open and disease pressure minimal. As winemakers we covet this vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2020 proved to be an outstanding vintage for Hawke’s Bay. Above-average temperatures and dry weather conditions created optimal ripeness for fruit ensuring excellent condition throughout the harvest and on arrival into the winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e50% new oak 50% seasoned 100% natural primary yeast ferment. Partial natural malolactic secondary ferment. 10 months on yeast lees.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50824684470589,"sku":null,"price":269.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/23958-1.jpg?v=1729034117"},{"product_id":"cuvar-iris-marlborough-pinot-noir-2024","title":"Čuvar Iris Marlborough Pinot Noir 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eA bouquet reminiscent of Christmas cake mix and chocolate. Gorgeous ripe dried fruit notes with a hint of spice on the front palate. The structure reminiscent of delicate silk over homespun linen. A timeless crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Pinot Noir is from our Ballochdale Vineyard, high in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough. The vineyard sits at 300m high and is one of the highest and most southerly vineyards in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs soon as we released this wine, it was loved by all. It truly is a gorgeous example of a perfectly crafted Marlborough Pinot Noir. We are so proud to share it with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood Pairing: \u003cspan\u003eOur Pinot Noir is a great match with mushroom risotto, the earthy flavours of mushrooms in a creamy risotto complement the earthiness in the wine, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the dish. Or try a grilled pork tenderloin with cranberry sauce to bring out the red fruit flavours in the Pinot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mineral","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51481885376829,"sku":"CUVIPI24","price":179.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/9211\/5773\/files\/24592-1.jpg?v=1729034347"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.blackmarket.co.nz\/collections\/cuvar-wines.oembed","provider":"Black Market","version":"1.0","type":"link"}