Blank Canvas Una Volta Pinot Noir 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Renaissance Vineyard is located on Felton Road in Bannockburn, Central Otago, renowned for producing Pinot Noir with depth and minerality. This vineyard benefits from a terroir rich in glacial soils including loess, gravel, schist, and quartz, which contribute to the wine's mineral complexity. Planted above the Kawarau River and maintained sustainably, this close-planted vineyard showcases the finesse of Bannockburn, known for long ripening periods that develop intensity and structure in Pinot Noir.

The 2020 vintage provided ideal conditions, combining warm days and cool nights, which helped retain the natural acidity and develop complex flavors in the grapes, reflecting the uniqueness of this site.

Winemaking

The Una Volta Pinot Noir is crafted with a focus on both intensity and elegance. After hand-harvesting, the grapes are processed using a high proportion of whole clusters, which contributes to the wine’s structure and subtle tannic edge. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, allowing the wine to naturally express the vineyard’s distinct characteristics. Following fermentation, the wine matures in French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak used to enhance complexity without overshadowing the fruit purity.

The wine is aged for around 12 months in barrel, allowing the flavors to integrate and achieve balance. Bottled without filtration, the Una Volta Pinot Noir captures the essence of the Renaissance Vineyard, offering a depth of flavor that speaks to its Bannockburn origins.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with medium intensity, reflecting youthful vibrancy.
• Aroma: Complex bouquet of cherry, raspberry, and floral notes, with earthy undertones and hints of dried herbs.
• Palate: Silky and structured, with a fine balance of red fruit, savory spice, and a touch of minerality. The tannins are well-integrated, leading to a long, refreshing finish.

Did You Know?

The name Una Volta, meaning “one time” in Italian, signifies the limited and unique nature of this release. Despite the name, this is Blank Canvas's second Una Volta Pinot Noir, continuing a tradition of exclusive, small-batch wines that highlight unique parcels with special character.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck breast with cherry sauce: Complements the wine’s red fruit and savory depth, enhancing the flavors.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy and umami flavors pair harmoniously with the wine’s subtle complexity.
• Lamb rack with rosemary and thyme: The herbal notes in the wine echo the seasoning, creating a balanced pairing.
• Aged hard cheeses like Comté: Complements the wine’s texture and depth, enhancing its savory elements.

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.