Blank Canvas Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Anthem Vineyard is nestled in the Gibbston Valley of Central Otago, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noir regions. This area is known for its cool climate, with higher altitude vineyards that contribute to longer ripening periods, resulting in grapes with intense aromatics and high acidity. The soil in Gibbston Valley is composed primarily of schist-derived alluvial soils that offer excellent drainage, allowing vines to develop deep root systems and enhancing the concentration of flavors in the grapes. These conditions are ideal for producing Pinot Noir that is both structured and expressive, with the potential for long aging.

This vintage in Central Otago was marked by steady, warm conditions that allowed for full ripeness without excessive heat. This vintage is often described as “classic” for New Zealand Pinot Noir, with a balance of ripeness, natural acidity, and tannin structure.

Winemaking

The Blank Canvas Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noir is a meticulously crafted wine, emphasizing both structure and depth. After careful hand-harvesting, the grapes are sorted and prepared for fermentation, with a significant portion of whole-bunch clusters included to add complexity and a slight tannic edge. Fermentation occurs naturally, with minimal intervention, to preserve the grape’s unique character and its reflection of the Gibbston Valley terroir. The wine then undergoes extended maceration to enhance color and flavor concentration.

After fermentation, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, with a carefully selected proportion of new oak to subtly integrate wood nuances without overshadowing the fruit. The wine spends around 12 months in barrel, allowing it to develop texture and complexity while preserving freshness and vibrancy. Bottling is done without filtration to maintain the wine's purity and integrity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: A rich, deep ruby red, indicative of concentration and intensity.
• Aroma: The nose opens with aromas of wet earth, dried herbs, and tar, complemented by complex savory notes reminiscent of chicken stock. Subtle hints of red fruits and spice add layers of interest.
• Palate: The palate is finely structured, with a balance of ripe red fruit and savory undertones. Notes of pepper and herbal complexity come through, supported by well-integrated tannins and a saline, slightly salty finish that adds length and depth.

Did You Know?

The Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noir is part of the Blank Canvas project by Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker-Thomson, both of whom bring extensive international experience to their New Zealand winemaking. The use of whole-bunch fermentation in this wine is intended to add a distinct, savory edge that enhances its ageability and complexity. Their approach merges scientific precision with a commitment to showcasing the true character of Central Otago’s terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roasted duck with cherry reduction: The savory and peppery notes of the wine complement the richness of duck, while the cherry reduction highlights the wine’s fruit profile.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy flavors of the wine pair well with mushrooms, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the creaminess of the risotto.
• Herb-crusted lamb chops: The herbal undertones in the wine mirror the herbs in the crust, making this a harmonious and flavorful pairing.
• Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese: The complexity and slight saltiness of the wine balance the nutty, aged flavors of these cheeses.

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.