Cuvar Iris Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2023

A masterclass in New Zealand winemaking from a true pioneer of the industry. Čuvar—which translates to "the guardian" in Croatian—is the latest family project from legendary wine entrepreneur Sir George Fistonich. This exceptional Hawke's Bay Chardonnay is a testament to viticultural resilience; during the turbulent 2023 vintage, the grapes for this release were meticulously hand-picked from hillside terraces above the floodlines, ensuring only pristine, perfectly ripe fruit made it to the winery.

The result is a world-class white wine that delivers serious depth and texture without the unnecessary residual sugar.

What to Expect in the Glass

This pours a bright, pale gold and immediately opens with an inviting, complex bouquet. Drawing from multiple critic reviews and tasting panels, the nose offers vibrant bursts of candied tropical fruits and peaches, layered with the comforting, warm aromas of a stone-fruit crumble.

On the palate, it delivers a beautifully textured, peaches-and-cream mouthfeel. A portion of the wine was fermented with wild yeasts in French oak and left on its lees, which gives it a sophisticated hint of toasted nuts, vanilla, and subtle wood smoke. Crucially, this richness is cut by a brilliant, juicy citrus acidity that keeps the wine completely refreshing, balanced, and perfectly dry on the finish.

The KetoWines Vital Stats

• Residual Sugar: 0.65g/L – An dry, lab-verified specification that fits seamlessly into a strict lower-sugar or keto lifestyle.
• Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. 12.7% ABV
• Pedigree: Crafted under the watchful eye of Sir George Fistonich and his family.
• Dietary: 100% Vegan Friendly.
• Shipping included in the price.

Food Pairings

With its delicate oak integration and creamy palate weight, this Chardonnay is built for food. It is a spectacular match for caramelised savoury dishes—think crispy-skinned pork belly, buttery pan-fried snapper, or a rich, creamy mushroom and thyme chicken dish.