Spotlight on Blank Canvass

Blank Canvass are a husband and wife team, but in the world of wine, they would be akin to Disney’s Incredibles. Award-winning winemaker Matt Thompson and his MW wife, Sophie Parker-Thomson started their collaboration over a decade ago In Marlborough. Making wines from nine exceptional, sustainable single vineyards, they make wines from vineyards whose soil and microclimate really suit the varietals planted there, and which are nurtured by individuals who respect and love the land they work.

We first discovered their Gruner Veltliner, but have since added the three wines profiled below. 

This is a wine made in honour of Matt‘s mentor Gaetano "Tano" Tobin. Fruit for this wine is sourced from the Anandale Farm vineyard in the coastal Blind River subregion of the Awatere Valley, known for its wild, cool and dry climate. Think vibrant and intense grapefruit, white florals and hazlenut. Good acidity and a long finish.

This is the debut release of the Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir. From the Omaka, it has great density and power, with ripe blue and red fruits. and a savoury edge to it. Drinking well now, this will also age well.

lThis comes from the smallest vineyard in Gimblett Gravels, an area increasingly becoming known for its Syrah. This is an elegant, Cote Rotie inspired Syrah. It is aromatic and has a lovely peppery character, no doubt enhanced by the use of Grüner Veltliner to co-ferment, rather than Viognier.