To produce the Pinot Noir “Escaroth” Marlborough Blank Canvas, the handpicked bunches were cold-soaked for five days before undergoing spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts. The wine was hand-plunged during its ferment which included 50% whole clusters. The wine was pressed into French oak barriques, all low-toast level (35% new) for 12 months, with a further three months in tank to gently and naturally settle. The wine was bottled without filtration.
Escaroth is a unique north-facing, sloped, dry-farmed site in the middle of the Taylor Pass. Vines were planted in 2001 and, rare in Marlborough, it is established without irrigation. It has the largest diurnal range in all of Marlborough and is frequently drier than other sub regions. The north-facing slope is therefore essential for frost protection as well as exposure for ripening. The low-vigour old clay soils are perfect for Pinot Noir.
Blank Canvas is the vinous studio of award-winning international winemaking consultant Matt Thomson and Master of Wine Sophie Parker-Thomson. With over 40 years of collective experience in the global wine industry, they produce small batch fine wines from exceptional single vineyard sites throughout New Zealand under their art-meets-science project. Matt has worked over fifty vintages in numerous wine regions around the world and has worked with David Gleave since 1994. Sophie has been travelling to Europe and working with Matt since 2011, leaving her career in law behind her. This international experience is the founding inspiration for this husband-and-wife team.
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