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.
Moment of Silence is Pieter's most iconic wine, and has taken many forms since its first incarnation was made it in 2007. 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. For the first time, this vintage also includes super old bush-vine Chenin Blanc from Hangbal, grown on the lower slopes on the northern side of the Groenberg, and Pieter is very happy about how this addition enhances the blend. The wine is aged for 8 months on the lees before a final blend and bottling.
This vintage has all the hallmarks of previous years' lemon notes zipping amongst a 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.