Holdaway 2024

The Blank Canvas vineyard is located in the Marlborough region, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, on cool terroirs influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the breezes of the Wairau Valley. The vines of the Holdaway cuvée are planted on alluvial soils composed of gravel, silt, and sand, offering excellent drainage and good water regulation. This temperate climate, marked by significant temperature variations, promotes slow ripening and preserves a naturally high acidity, a signature of the estate's white wines.

From the family-owned Holdaway vineyard in the Wairau Valley, this wine is made from carefully selected grapes harvested at optimal ripeness. After gentle pressing, the must is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity and varietal precision. Aging continues on fine lees, still in stainless steel tanks, with measured bâtonnage to add texture and complexity without masking the freshness or the mineral expression of the terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus, stone fruit, and tropical fruit, complemented by delicate floral touches, a mineral nuance evoking wet flint, and a slight spicy character brought by the aging process. The palate offers a creamy texture supported by a lively acidity that extends the finish, with a sensation of saline freshness and a clear, precise aromatic persistence, balancing richness and tension.

Introduced in 1819, viticulture was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled there in January 1838 to develop New Zealand's vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region during the 19th and early 20th centuries. After production setbacks initially caused by phylloxera and then the First World War, the vineyards began to expand again during the Second World War, doubling in size. Today, New Zealand has 10 major wine regions spread across the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The country's long, narrow shape means that vineyards are never more than 120 km from the coast, and most are even much closer (with the exception of the semi-continental region of Central Otago). A mountain spine running through the center of the country protects most of the major wine regions from the strong westerly winds from the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties." Because of these winds, there are few wine regions on New Zealand's west coast. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines are well established. Indeed, the country produces some of the best and most renowned Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it's no coincidence that New Zealand has managed to make Sauvignon Blanc its symbol, alongside its sheep, kiwifruit, and the legendary haka!