Founded in 2013 by award-winning international winemaking consultant Matt Thomson and New Zealand South Islands first ever Master of Wine Sophie Parker-Thomson MW, Blank Canvas very quickly made a name of themselves. The duo also happen to be a couple, sharing their love of both science and art. With over 40 years’ experience between them, the duo craft small batch artisanal wines from their home Marlborough and they have now expanded to have sites in Marlborough, Hawke's Bay and Central Otago. Their focus has always been on single vineyard expression reflecting individuality and character of the site.
The influence of their travels in Europe is evident in their wines. Elegance and restraint are words that come to mind when tasting their wines. The winemaking is natural but is clean cut without faults (wild fermentation and no filtration). The excellent texture and reductiveness of their Reed Chardonnay has been described as “very Coche Dury” in style by Julia Harding MW (JR), whilst their Element Syrah has the pepperiness more associated with Cote-Rotie in the Rhone valley than New Zealand. Their Pinot Noirs are likely to “turn your opinion of Marlborough Pinot Noir upside down” summarised Rebecca Gibb MW of Vinous.
The wines:
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