Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Viognier
75cl * 13.5% ABV * Organic * Swartland, South Africa
Unsurprisingly, Pieter Hauptfleisch Walser's BLANKbottle labels don't give much away. You won't find a grape variety or an indication of style mentioned - he does this in order that the wine is judged on its own merits. Sometimes he makes up to 30 different wines per year, many of which are one-offs and never repeated. But this eclectic approach has gained him a cult following and we're lucky to stock a handful of his wines.
The Moment of Silence is Pieter's most iconic wine, and has taken many forms in the 12 years since he first made it. Formerly a Chardonnay-heavy wine, it is now a blend of three parcels of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Viognier fermented in oak, amphorae and concrete eggs. Zippy lemon notes weave in and out of the creamy, mango-rich palate. Vivacious and stylish, it has bags of personality and charm. Drink with richer fish dishes - a fish pie, say - or roasted pork belly with apple sauce.