Blank Bottle & Savage Wines – Icons of New World Excellence
Few wine regions in the world have experienced such a thrilling creative surge in recent years as South Africa. With a new generation of winemakers rethinking tradition, championing terroir, and embracing minimal intervention, the Cape has become one of the most exciting places for wine on the planet.
At Butlers, we’ve proudly championed South African wine for decades — and two producers have consistently stolen our hearts (and our shelf space): Pieter Walser of Blank Bottle Wines and Duncan Savage of Savage Wines. Both mavericks in their own way, they share a belief that wine should speak for itself, honest, distinctive, and unfiltered. We’ve been long-time fans and stockists of both, and we’re thrilled to offer a new line-up of their rare and limited releases.
Blank Bottle Wines
Founded by the endlessly creative Pieter Walser, Blank Bottle is a one-man revolution in winemaking. Pieter is known for his refusal to play by convention: his labels rarely list grape varieties or regions, encouraging drinkers to taste without preconceptions. Each wine tells a story; sometimes funny, sometimes deeply personal, and always utterly individual.
Working with small vineyard parcels from across the Western Cape, Pieter’s approach is instinctive and free-spirited, blending art, intuition, and technical mastery in equal measure. No two vintages are ever quite the same, and that’s exactly how he likes it.
Wines Available Now
BlankBottle Moment of Silence 2023 £22.99
A quietly powerful white blend of old-vine Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Viognier, sourced from Wellington and Piekenierskloof. Expect aromas of white peach, pear skin and delicate honeysuckle, underpinned by gentle lees richness. The palate is layered and textural with soft stone fruit and subtle nutty tones, finishing fresh and mineral. It’s a wine that rewards slow sipping.
BlankBottle Pierre La Cois 2022 £35.95
From cool-climate Elgin vineyards, this field blend bursts with precision and energy. White stone fruit, lime zest and almond blossom lead on the nose, followed by a focused, saline palate that reflects its maritime origins. The oak is perfectly judged, supporting rather than flavouring, while the finish hums with citrus and crushed rock. A sophisticated, age-worthy white with real tension and drive.
BlankBottle Familemoord 2023 £28.50
One of Pieter’s most talked-about creations, “Familemoord” (Family Murder) is a 100% Grenache from the high-lying Piekenierskloof region. Bright red fruit, wild herbs and white pepper leap from the glass, supported by fine, chalky tannins. The palate is elegant and full of vitality, think cranberry, rose petal, and crushed granite. A story-driven wine with soul and substance, showcasing Grenache’s purity at its best.
“Luuks” means “Luxury,” and this wine lives up to its name. It’s a richly expressive white with golden orchard fruit, ripe apricot, and layers of cream and toasted almond from extended lees ageing. Yet despite its opulence, the wine retains beautiful freshness and poise. Textured, complex and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of wine that turns an ordinary evening into an occasion.
BlankBottle Jaa-Bru!! Malbec 2023 £35.95
This Malbec is as exuberant as its name suggests (“Yeah, bro!”). Bursting with violet, black cherry, and wild plum, it’s a joyful, fruit-forward red with a silky, juicy mouthfeel. Subtle spice and soft tannins add balance, making it deliciously drinkable while still distinctively South African. A wine made for sharing, expressive, energetic, and pure fun in a glass.
Savage Wines
Duncan Savage is one of South Africa’s most respected winemakers. Having spent nearly a decade as head winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards, Duncan launched Savage Wines to pursue his own vision, wines that express place and restraint with a European sensibility but unmistakably South African soul.
Based in Salt River, Cape Town, Duncan sources fruit from carefully selected coastal and mountain vineyards. His touch is light, his style defined by tension, texture, and incredible purity. These are wines that always make an impression, elegant, graceful, and deeply authentic.
Wines Available Now
A masterclass in texture and refinement, this blend of Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche and Semillon is barrel-fermented and aged on lees for nine months. Aromas of citrus peel, white peach and lanolin give way to a structured, mineral palate with subtle spice and length. It’s a wine that evolves beautifully in the glass, concentrated yet effortlessly elegant.
Predominantly Syrah with a supporting cast of Grenache and Cinsault, this wine is all about perfume and precision. Layers of blackberry, redcurrant and cracked pepper lead into a silky, savoury palate with refined tannins and a lifted, fresh finish. It’s modern South African Syrah at its most graceful.
Savage Salt River Sauvignon Blanc 2024 £20.99
Bright, saline and zesty, this wine captures the maritime freshness of its coastal vineyards. Aromas of lime zest, gooseberry and sea spray flow into a crisp, mineral palate with mouth-watering acidity. Fermented in old oak, it shows texture and depth alongside laser-sharp focus, a benchmark expression of Cape Sauvignon.
Savage Follow The Line 2022 £35.95
An elegant Cinsault-based red that showcases Duncan’s deft touch. Aromas of rose petal, red cherry and cranberry lead into a supple, juicy palate with fine, sandy tannins. There’s a quiet intensity here, a wine that’s light on its feet but full of depth and nuance. Utterly charming and dangerously drinkable.
Savage Thief in the Night 2024 £38.95
A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault from the rugged Piekenierskloof region. Brimming with red berry fruit, subtle earthiness and a hint of white pepper, it’s vibrant and energetic with a long, dry finish. The balance between fruit purity and savoury complexity is spot-on, a true reflection of Duncan’s skill.
Savage Never Been Asked to Dance 2024 £38.95
This hauntingly beautiful Grenache Noir comes from high-altitude sites, producing a wine of rare delicacy and grace. Silky tannins frame bright red fruit, while hints of spice and rose petal add allure. It’s a wine that feels almost weightless yet lingers long on the palate, sensual, refined, and quietly captivating.
Why We Love Them
Both Pieter and Duncan embody the spirit of South Africa’s new wave — creative, fearless, and deeply connected to the land. Their wines celebrate individuality, purity, and craftsmanship, proving that South Africa can rival the great regions of the world for both quality and character.
We’ve been proud to support these producers for years, and every release feels like an event. Stocks are limited, and as always, these bottles never hang around for long — so if you’re a fan of distinctive, world-class South African wine, now is the time to explore.
Shop our full range of Blank Bottle and Savage Wines here
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