Anthem Vineyard 2019

Located in the cool Marlborough region on New Zealand's South Island, Blank Canvas's Anthem Vineyard benefits from the maritime influence of the Cook Strait and long hours of sunshine. The vines are planted on alluvial soils mixing gravel and silt, offering natural drainage and good berry concentration. The temperate climate, characterized by cool nights and moderate days, promotes slow maturation that preserves natural acidity and aromatic purity, while allowing the precise expression of the terroir's character.

Grapes from the Anthem Vineyard are hand-picked, carefully sorted, then destemmed before cold maceration. Fermentation is conducted in open vats with indigenous yeasts and manual punch-downs to gently extract color and tannins. The wine is then racked into mostly old French oak barrels for extended aging to refine the structure and preserve the fruit's purity, before bottling without excessive filtration to maintain the integrity of the terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruits, black cherry, and plum, complemented by delicate floral touches, spicy nuances reminiscent of sweet pepper, and subtle woody accents from barrel aging. On the palate, the texture is silky, supported by a lively acidity that prolongs the tasting, while the tannins remain fine and well-integrated, offering a persistent and balanced finish.

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!