Blank Canvas Element Syrah 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Gimblett Gravels region in Hawke's Bay is renowned for its free-draining riverbed soils, which restrict vine vigor, creating low yields and concentrated flavors. The Element Vineyard is over 15 years old, and the vines benefit from the unique microclimate of Gimblett Gravels, which provides warmth and cool nights ideal for ripening Syrah. This vineyard is managed sustainably, avoiding herbicides and systemic chemicals, while high-density planting promotes canopy balance, yielding premium fruit with depth and character.

The gravelly soils in Gimblett Gravels enable the roots to grow deep, enhancing the minerality in the wine, while the dry climate naturally limits vigor, concentrating the Syrah’s flavors. This terroir results in a Syrah that beautifully balances intensity with elegance, capturing both the essence of Hawke’s Bay and the refined character of the vineyard.

Winemaking

This vintage had warm, dry conditions ideal for ripening, with late-season rains adding balance and vibrancy. The grapes were hand-harvested and partially co-fermented with a small portion of Grüner Veltliner skins to enhance aromatic complexity. With 60% whole-bunch fermentation, the wine underwent gentle hand-plunging for 16 days, which maintained delicate extraction and texture.

Aged in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barrels for added depth, the wine was bottled unfiltered to preserve its natural character and structure. This meticulous approach allows the Syrah to showcase a balance of fruit intensity, spice, and nuanced structure, making it both approachable and age-worthy.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with purple reflections.
• Aroma: Aromas of black pepper, violet, black cherry, and forest berries with savory notes of smoked meats and spice.
• Palate: Concentrated flavors of dark berries, plum, and pepper, with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity leading to a long, complex finish.

Did you know?

The inclusion of Grüner Veltliner skins in the fermentation process is a unique winemaking technique that enhances the wine’s aromatic depth and structure, lending complexity and adding a distinct texture to this Hawke’s Bay Syrah.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Steak with Peppercorn Sauce: Complements the wine’s peppery notes and savory depth.
• Moroccan Lamb Tagine: The wine’s bold spice and fruit balance the rich flavors of lamb and spices.
• Mushroom and Thyme Risotto: Earthy and herbal flavors in the risotto enhance the wine’s complexity.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The cheese’s nutty richness pairs well with the wine’s structure and acidity.

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.