Blank Canvas Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Region and Vineyards

This wine originates from a single vineyard in Dillons Point, a coastal sub-region of the Wairau Valley in Marlborough. Owned by the Holdaway family, who have farmed in Marlborough since 1864, the vineyard operates with sustainable viticulture practices, including natural composting and mulching to enrich the soil’s organic matter. The deep, fertile soils are dry-farmed, meaning no irrigation is used, encouraging the vines to develop deep root systems that tap into natural underground aquifers. This practice enhances the resilience of the vines and adds a distinct minerality to the wine. VSP-trained and cane-pruned, the vines benefit from wild-sown cover crops that support biodiversity and soil health.

The 2020 growing season was highly favorable for Sauvignon Blanc, with an optimal flowering period and extended ripening that contributed to the exceptional quality of the fruit.

Winemaking

The Blank Canvas Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2020 was crafted with a focus on enhancing texture and complexity. After hand-harvesting, the grapes were whole-bunch pressed, with only the free-run juice selected for the final wine. The juice was then transferred directly into French oak puncheons (500L), ranging from three to five years old, for fermentation. Fermentation occurred naturally, driven by indigenous yeasts, and the wine was left to mature in these seasoned barrels without any stirring, preserving the purity and balance of flavors. The wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation, contributing to its rounded texture. After 15 months of aging in oak, it was bottled without filtration, preserving its richness and character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale golden yellow, hinting at maturity and complexity from oak aging.
• Aroma: A distinctive bouquet of blackcurrant, white floral notes, and savory undertones, with subtle smoky elements adding depth.
• Palate: The mouthfeel is textured and layered, offering flavors of toasty oak and a slight smokiness. Balanced acidity and a long, elegant finish create a harmonious and sophisticated profile.

Did You Know?

The Abstract Three Rows series from Blank Canvas explores non-traditional expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, pushing the boundaries of what Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc can achieve. By incorporating aging in seasoned oak, Matt and Sophie highlight a savory complexity and layered texture not typically associated with the region’s Sauvignon Blancs, making this wine a standout in their collection.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled asparagus with hollandaise sauce: The wine’s acidity and smoky nuances complement the richness of hollandaise and the vegetal notes of asparagus.
• Roasted chicken with herbs: The savory edge and toasty oak match well with roasted flavors and herbs.
• Seafood paella: The wine’s depth and minerality align beautifully with the complex flavors of seafood and saffron.
• Goat cheese tart: The acidity and floral notes balance the richness of the cheese, creating an elegant pairing.

History of Blank Canvas

The history of Blank Canvas is a story of passion, expertise, and a dedication to showcasing New Zealand's distinct wine regions. Matt Thomson began his career in biochemistry before transitioning to winemaking, where his scientific approach to fermentation and yeast greatly influenced his techniques. With over 62 vintages worldwide, Matt has honed his craft and gained a deep understanding of vineyards across both hemispheres. His work as a consultant in Marlborough and other international wine regions has solidified his reputation as a meticulous winemaker.

Sophie Parker-Thomson joined Matt’s journey in 2011, bringing a fresh perspective from her background in law. Her passion for wine grew rapidly, leading her to become a Master of Wine, the first on New Zealand’s South Island to achieve this title. Together, they founded Blank Canvas with the goal of creating wines that are authentic expressions of their terroir, treating each wine as a “blank canvas” to paint with the unique character of the vineyard and vintage.

Region and Vineyards

Blank Canvas sources its grapes from several unique sites across New Zealand, focusing on Marlborough, Central Otago, and Hawke’s Bay. Each region contributes distinct characteristics that define the wines. In Marlborough, the Holdaway Vineyard in Dillons Point produces Sauvignon Blanc with vibrant acidity and layered tropical flavors. This vineyard, located near the coast, benefits from nutrient-rich soils and sustainable practices, including dry farming and organic amendments to preserve soil health.

In Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley, the Anthem Vineyard sits on schist soils, ideal for producing structured, mineral-driven Pinot Noir. The cool climate and rocky terrain yield wines with depth and elegance, showcasing the distinct qualities of the region’s terroir. Hawke’s Bay adds further diversity to Blank Canvas’s range. With sites in the Bridge Pa Triangle and Mangatahi Terraces, Hawke’s Bay’s warmer climate and volcanic soils are perfect for Syrah and Bordeaux-style reds, creating wines with complexity and spice. Each vineyard is managed with sustainability in mind, with a focus on low intervention to allow the natural characteristics of the land to shine through.

Wine Range of Blank Canvas

Blank Canvas’s portfolio includes several distinctive wines that showcase New Zealand’s diverse terroirs:

• Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc – A textural Sauvignon Blanc with layers of complexity from Marlborough’s Dillons Point.
• Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – A vibrant, classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with tropical fruit notes.
• Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir – A structured and expressive Pinot Noir from the Omaka Valley in Marlborough.
• Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noir – A mineral-driven Pinot Noir from the schist soils of Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley.
• Una Volta Pinot Noir – A limited-edition Pinot Noir from Bannockburn, with depth and elegance.
• Riesling from Marlborough – A fresh and mineral-driven Riesling with a balance of acidity and fruit.
• Grüner Veltliner – A unique New Zealand expression of this Austrian variety, showcasing freshness and minerality.
• Element Syrah – A bold Syrah from Hawke’s Bay, with rich, spicy flavors reflecting the region’s volcanic soils and warm climate.

Each wine in the range reflects Blank Canvas’s focus on terroir, crafted with care to highlight the vineyard's unique characteristics and New Zealand’s diverse wine potential.

Did You Know?

The name Blank Canvas symbolizes Matt and Sophie’s philosophy of allowing each vineyard and vintage to tell its story. This project unites scientific precision with artistic freedom, emphasizing sustainability and minimal intervention.