Founded by Sophie Parker-Thomson MW and winemaking consultant Matt Thomson, Blank Canvas is one of Marlborough's most exciting labels to emerge in the past decade. They showcase nine vineyards chosen not only for their suitability for the varieties they are nurturing—with the right soil, microclimate, and inherent high quality—but also because these vineyards are tended by people with a fervent desire to grow great wine, not just grapes. The growers all live on their vineyards and have a long-term, sustainable commitment to their land. Their fruit goes into single-vineyard wines that they can proudly call their own.
The Holdaway Vineyard is in the Dillons Point subregion, which is located on the coastal fringe of the Wairau Valley and is the personal favourite sub-region for Sophie and Matt. The vineyard is owned by the Holdaway family who have been farming in Marlborough for generations. They are passionate advocates of regenerative viticulture and follow a zero-till philosophy to build all-important organic matter and microbial diversity in the soil. The alluvial silts here are fertile, deep, and well-drained, with plenty of mineral nutrients, a combination that is perfect for nutrient-hungry Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a classic Marlborough expression; despite being 100% tank-fermented, it offers complexity of texture and a mineral drive that leads to a very attractive chalky aftertaste, a hallmark of this site.
Tasting Note
It is a classic expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, being 100% tank fermented, but it offers complexity of texture and a mineral drive that summons river stones and sea spray. Blackcurrant, guava and passionfruit are captured alongside the subtlest hint of oyster-shell. This wine is focused and explosive on both nose and palate yet remains elegantly balanced and distinctly salty.
Food Pairing
It makes a perfect match for warm spinach salads or delicate seafood dishes like scallop carpaccio.