The range is named after Stella Giunta (pronounced june-tah) who was winemaker Daniel Brennan’s mother’s mother but he knew her as Gram; a 4’10” Sicilian who you could not mess with! She made mean cutlets and always had a pizzelle in the cupboard for the Grandkids. She was one of 8 sisters and a brother, Uncle Joe, who owned a farm not too far away in Vineland, NJ. They worked hard, ate flavorful and comforting food and family was paramount.

We really have no rules in this range, where we experiment and put out fresh style wines, many of which go direct to your favorite restaurants and independent retail shops.

Affordable, unassuming, delicious. The Giunta wines range is fleeting and who knows which way next year’s inspiration will blow…

Giunta Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir 2022

92 Points Sam Kim

A light and fruit-forward expression of Pinot Noir that is distinctly Hawke’s Bay. We're enamoured by the distinct flavours of juicy pomegranate that drive both the aroma and the palate. This is layered with just-picked raspberry, dried rose-petals, and an intriguing waft of cardamom spice. This is a great wine to pair with all types of food, but may we suggest looking towards Ottolenghi-esque fare to complement all the pomegranate and spice. The bright and fresh-fruit flavours make a great candidate for a chilled red on a sunny afternoon!

Giunta Sauvignon Blanc 2023

93 Points Sam Kim

A new wine in the stable for 2023, this is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and its pink-skinned cousin Sauvignon Gris. The nose shows dried rose petals, patchouli, white pepper, and jasmine. It then opens up to aromas of sweet pea, tinned pear and dried limes. The plates is rich with more pears, juicy acidity and a racy dry finish. Briny fruit, Turkish Delight and river stone linger on the palate calling for oysters and pan-fried white fish in olive oil.

91 Points Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

For this lighter style, the Malbec colour is quite a dark purple. The nose is wild with savoury black olives, brambly fruit with hints of smokey and dusty aromatics. The front palate is soft with rich blackberries and plum with a spicy and edgy mid palate. The tannins are plush and lean with clean finish making for a very easy and refreshing experience. This wine is meant to be drunk young but can age for 2-3 years.

Giunta Crispy White 2020

A blend of 35% Chenin Blanc, 33% Viognier and 32% Chardonnay with a mix of citrus, grapefruit, stone fruit, white peach and vanilla flavors. An initial suggestion of sweetness is nicely balanced by tangy acidity to give a refreshingly dry finish

Giunta Crunchy Red 2022

A blend of three varieties from two Biogro certified organic vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. The pinot noir portion is from a site in Maraekakaho that lies inland and at a slightly higher altitude, the vineyard enjoys cool nights and warm days which make it ideal for growing superb grapes with the bright acidity that drives the Crunchy Blend. The Malbec and Merlot portions are from a slightly warmer site in the Bridge Pa triangle. The sunny vineyard enjoys stony, free draining soils, long summers and crisp winters. Picked to retain their fresh natural acidity and pure fruit characters.