Blankbottle, Master of None, Western Cape, South Africa, 2025

Product code: 7084

Producer Profile

Starting out making wine in a friends garage, Pieter Walser is today one of South Africa’s most engaging and original winemakers.

His rejection of convention in favour of curiosity, instinct and storytelling sets him and his wines apart. Founded in 2004, the tale of Blankbottle began when a lady came to Pieter asking for anything but Shiraz. ‘I don’t drink Shiraz’ were her exact words. He poured her a glass of wine. She loved it and bought 3 cases. It was a straight Shiraz. That was the moment he realised that people really do judge a book by its cover. By removing the cultivar from the bottle, you also remove preconceived ideas. Each release is treated as an individual narrative, with no grape varieties listed and no fixed stylistic boundaries. Pieter owns no vineyards but seeks out top quality fruit from exceptional sites across the Western Cape, often tiny parcels that slip beneath the radar. The result is an ever-evolving portfolio of distinctive, site-driven wines, many of which are made only once and never repeated. Each label is handcrafted by Pieter, using a variety of techniques such as woodcuts, lino, pencil drawings, stencils etc. Having no indication of varietals on the label - leaving it BLANK - removing all preconceptions as to what lies beyond.

Viticulture

99% of wineries own the land they cultivate their grapes on. Pieter however, started making wine in his friend’s garage. He doesn't own land and therefore is not bound to a specific area. This wine is a celebration of that; a red blend of Wellington Grenache, Piekenierskloof Grenache, Breedekloof Cinsault, Stellenbosch Pinot Noir, Swartland Fernao Pires, Elgin Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch Viognier, Stellenbosch Chardonnay, Wellington Viognier and a Stellenbosch White Blend.

Winemaking

The reds were picked at optimal ripeness and cooled overnight to 4 degrees Celsius. The next morning the grapes were part de-stemmed, and part taken as whole bunches to open top fermenters. Fermented spontaneously and left on the skins for 3 weeks. Pressed into older French oak barrels. 10 months - blended and bottled. The white were pressed as whole bunches with no additives. The juice underwent spontaneous fermentation in French oak, amphora and concrete tanks. 10 months on the lees, blended with the reds and bottled.

Tasting Note

A mixologists dream, with 11 cultivars from 8 regions blended into a vibrant, lighter-style red, where the inclusion of white varieties adds lift and intrigue, reflecting diverse perspectives and storytelling. Deliciously juicy, packed full of blackberry, strawberry and cherry juice, with a herbal twist and pomegranate bitterness to the finish. A wine to be enjoyed, the ultimate 'vin de soif'!