South African producer Spier has begun UK distribution (on- and off-trade) of its new Creative Block range through PLB Wines.
The Creative Block wine range draws inspiration from Spier’s long established association with the arts and is named after the Creative Block project – a Spier initiative whereby individual 18cm x 18cm blank canvasses are transformed by established and emerging South African artists. The standard format is the only restricting factor – the artists are given free-reign to create a work in any style or medium they choose. Collectors can select a combination, or blend, of pieces to create a larger, more substantial and personal piece of artwork.
According to Spier Cellar Master Frans Smit, much synergy was seen between the Creative Block project and the winemaking process. “Blending the wine gives you the opportunity to create a product greater than the sum of its parts,” he says. “We’ve selected vineyard blocks that best reflect their varietal and terroir, and blended them to create a range of interesting and premium positioned wines.”
Spier Creative Block 2 and Spier Creative Block 3 are sourced from multi-site vineyard blocks in Stellenbosch and Paarl. Creative Block 2 is a white Bordeaux-style blend of 81% Sauvignon Blanc and 19% Semillon whilst Creative Block 3 is a Rhône inspired assemblage of 93% Shiraz, 4% Mourvèdre and 3% Viognier. The hand picked fruit is vinified separately by vineyard block and varietial, with only premium parcels selected for inclusion in the final blends.
1 February 2010 - Felicity Murray