BlankBottle is the individual project of South African winemaker Pieter Walser, founded in the early 2000s with a philosophy centred on creativity, storytelling and minimal reliance on conventional labelling. Rather than focusing on grape varieties, Walser sources fruit from carefully selected vineyard parcels across the Western Cape, often highlighting unique sites that might otherwise be overlooked. Pierre Le Cois 2021 comes from a single vineyard in the Helderberg ward of Stellenbosch, situated around 200 metres above sea level and protected from prevailing winds. The vines are trained on VSP trellising and rooted in deep, iron-rich clay soils with excellent water retention, contributing to structure and concentration. The vineyards are organically farmed, and the wine is vegan friendly. Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s most renowned wine regions, benefits from a Mediterranean climate moderated by ocean breezes, and the 2021 vintage produced balanced fruit with freshness, structure and ageing potential.
Pierre Le Cois 2021 is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, crafted through spontaneous fermentation after hand-harvesting and overnight cooling of the grapes. Fermentation takes place in open-top vessels with extended skin contact to maximise extraction, before the wine is pressed and matured in French oak barrels for approximately 18 months, around 35–40% of which are new. This élevage allows for integration of tannins and added complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The wine shows layered aromas of cassis, blueberry and dark plum, alongside notes of graphite, dried herbs and dark chocolate. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins, lively acidity and a long, savoury finish. It pairs particularly well with grilled beef, lamb, game dishes or mature cheeses, complementing its structure and depth.