Description
Blank Canvas Gruner Veltliner 2023 (WA93)
Blank Canvas Gruner Veltliner is a distinctive Marlborough white from the Central Wairau subregion, marrying Austrian structure with New Zealand fruit generosity. The 2023 vintage shows bright citrus, ripe stone fruit and classic white pepper notes with a savoury, salty-mineral palate and vibrant acidity, making it a versatile food wine with 5–7 years of aging potential.
Winemaking & Style
Sourced from two Central Wairau vineyards on complex alluvial gravels over clay, giving texture and pronounced minerality.
Hand-picked, gently pressed, then fermented partly in stainless steel and partly in 500L French oak puncheons to retain aromatics and build mid-palate weight.
Sustainable Winegrowing NZ and Appellation Marlborough Wine certified, dry, full-flavoured style combining richness with freshness.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Pale straw with a subtle green hue, bright and clear.
Aroma: Orange and mandarin, citrus peel, ripe pear, white peach, white pepper, light herbs and wet stone minerality.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with juicy citrus and stone fruit attack, followed by savoury white pepper and saline spice, supported by lively acidity; structured, textural and dry with a long, gently bitter citrus and mineral finish.
Ratings & Accolades
Wine Advocate: 93 points — “Textural and floral with orange oil, lavender, wet stone and preserved lemon rind; coiled acidity and savoury phenolics.”
Cameron Douglas MS: 94 points — “Pure aromatics, excellent structure and length.”
Serving temperature: 8–10°C
Suggested pairings: Salt-and-pepper pork chop, blanched pig liver with soy, garlic stir-fried clams, peppery pork-stomach soup, prawn cakes, salt-baked chicken, Thai pomelo salad.
Special Notes: Small-batch Central Wairau Gruner Veltliner combining Chardonnay-like weight with the aromatic appeal of Riesling, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris; consistently high critical scores, can be enjoyed young or cellared 5–7 years for more spice and honey complexity.
Region: New Zealand, Marlborough, Central Wairau
Type: White Wine
Grape Variety: 100% Gruner Veltliner
Alcohol: 13%
Volume: 750ml