Blank Canvas Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Settlement Vineyard is situated in the Omaka Valley within Marlborough’s Southern Valleys region, a prime area for Pinot Noir. This vineyard sits on a north-facing hillside block known as the "Back Block," spanning just one hectare and is planted with Clone 777, a Dijon clone known for its perfumed character and naturally small bunches. The vineyard was established in 2009 and is now Bio-Gro certified and organically farmed. The soil composition is unique, consisting of wind-blown loess over low-vigour clay loams, which restricts vine vigour, thereby enhancing fruit concentration. High-density planting at 3,788 vines per hectare contributes to low yields and excellent flavor intensity, while cane pruning and VSP training are employed to maintain vine health and balance.

This vintage was marked by a warm spring and above-average rainfall, setting the season off to an excellent start. The summer brought drought conditions, but moderate temperatures allowed the vines to thrive without excessive stress, leading to Pinot Noir grapes that were clean and full of pure, concentrated flavors.

Winemaking

The Blank Canvas Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir is crafted with precision to capture the essence of the Omaka Valley and the purity of the Pinot Noir grape. Made entirely from Clone 777 Pinot Noir, a Dijon clone prized for its aromatic intensity and naturally small berry size, the grapes are hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality. To enhance the complexity of the wine, winemakers employ a blend of whole clusters and destemmed berries in the fermenter. Approximately two-thirds of the harvest remains as whole clusters, while the remainder is destemmed and gently crushed on top. This technique encourages a layered extraction, creating both structure and elegance.

Fermentation occurs in open-top fermenters with a cool soak to retain the grape’s fresh aromatics. The natural fermentation is carefully monitored, with gentle hand plunging throughout the process to balance tannin extraction while preserving fruit purity. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to 100% French oak barriques, with 35% new low-toast barrels selected to impart subtle oak influence without overwhelming the delicate Pinot Noir profile. The wine is aged in oak for 12 months, followed by an additional three months in stainless steel tanks for a natural settling, promoting a refined texture. Finally, the wine is bottled unfiltered, preserving its depth and genuine expression of the unique Settlement Vineyard terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby, with vivid highlights that suggest youth and concentration.
• Aroma: A beautiful bouquet of ripe blue and red fruits mingled with earthy undertones of forest floor and aromatic sappy spices.
• Palate: The wine is structured with a dense, velvety texture, showing impressive depth. Layers of fruit transition seamlessly into savory, earthy notes, underscored by a spicy complexity and hints of minerality. The finish is long, with balanced acidity and tannins that promise excellent aging potential.

Did You Know?

The Blank Canvas project is a collaboration between Matt Thomson, an award-winning winemaking consultant, and Sophie Parker-Thomson, a Master of Wine. Together, they bring over 40 years of collective experience, focusing on sustainable vineyard practices and small-batch wines. The name “Blank Canvas” reflects their philosophy of crafting wines that are both scientifically precise and artistically expressive, capturing the essence of New Zealand’s unique terroirs.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck confit with cherry sauce: The wine’s red fruit and earthy notes pair harmoniously with the rich, savory flavors of duck and the sweetness of cherry.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy forest floor elements in the wine complement the umami flavors of wild mushrooms, creating a complex and satisfying pairing.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: The wine’s structure and spice notes enhance the robust flavors of lamb, with rosemary accentuating the wine’s aromatic complexity.
• Charcuterie board: A selection of cured meats, including prosciutto and salami, works well with the wine’s savory character, while aged cheeses bring out its depth and tannins.

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.