Blank Canvas Escaroth Pinot Noir 2020

Region and Vineyards

Located in Taylor Pass, Marlborough, the Escaroth Vineyard enjoys a unique, north-facing slope and dry-farmed clay soils, uncommon for the region. Planted with Dijon clones 777 and 115 in 2001, these low-yielding vines have adapted to the dry-farming approach, enhancing the intensity and depth of flavor in the fruit. The vineyard’s location offers natural frost protection and benefits from Marlborough’s significant diurnal temperature variation, essential for producing Pinot Noir with bright acidity and structured tannins.

The vineyard’s dry-farming method, rare in the region, allows vines to develop deep root systems, capturing the underlying mineral characteristics of the clay soil and imparting a powerful terroir expression. This distinct vineyard is well-suited to the production of concentrated, nuanced Pinot Noir, making it one of Marlborough’s most expressive sites.

Winemaking

This vintage saw favorable conditions that promoted small berries with intense flavor concentration. Grapes were harvested by hand and underwent a 50% whole-bunch fermentation to enhance texture and complexity. After a five-day cold soak, natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts took place over 15 days. To maintain a balanced extraction, gentle hand plunging was employed, preserving the elegance of the fruit.

Aging was conducted in 25% new French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by three months in stainless steel to naturally settle before bottling. This slow maturation process allowed for the development of the wine’s depth and structure, enhancing the aromas and building a rounded mouthfeel without filtration.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet highlights.
• Aroma: Aromas of violet, peony, red cherry, and pomegranate, with layers of earth, spice, and subtle gamey notes.
• Palate: Concentrated flavors of dark berry, red fruit, and savory earth, supported by firm tannins and a lively, mineral-driven acidity that adds length to the finish.

Did you know?

The Escaroth Vineyard is dry-farmed, a rare practice in Marlborough, which requires resilience from the vines and results in a Pinot Noir with greater concentration and a uniquely expressive character. This vineyard's ability to thrive without irrigation contributes to the intense flavors and mineral structure found in the Escaroth Pinot Noir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction: Complements the wine’s red fruit and earthy undertones, enhancing the richness of the dish.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto: Earthy mushrooms mirror the wine’s savory notes and harmonize with its fresh acidity.
• Rack of Lamb with Rosemary: The wine’s structure and layered flavors balance the lamb’s herbaceous and savory qualities.
• Aged Brie or Camembert: Creamy, earthy cheeses bring out the wine’s complexity, enhancing its fruitiness and depth.

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.