Monthly Archives: October 2010

USA Wineries Increase Use of Cork Closures

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Despite a move in recent years to replace cork closures for wine with alternatives such as synthetic cork or screw-caps, a study by AC Nielsen on behalf of the Cork Quality Council indicates that the premium domestic US wineries are increasing their use of cork closures, with brands using cork showing higher annual sales growth over those using alternatives.

According to the data released recently by the CQC, out of 100 top selling wine brands, the number of brands using cork closures rose to 72 during the past five months, registering an increase of 7.5%. These brands using cork as the closure also posted an average annual sales bump of 10.2 %, compared to annual growth of 3.7 % for alternative closures majority of which are screw-caps.

Cork comes from a certain variety of oak tree that is only found in the Mediterranean, especially Portugal.

The reason for sticking with cork has a lot to do with the psychological value of cork with the consumer. Some whiskies, such as Makers Mark, also use cork stoppers or the premium impression. Though with whiskies, which do not typically get stored on their sides after opening, cork dry-out can happen if the bottle doesn't get consumed fast enough.

A look at the survey indicates that the maximum use of alternative closures is in the $6-9 range- whereas 16 producers use cork, 15 are still using screwcaps (more than half of screw-cap users are in this category).

France's cork federation last summer went on the the offensive with a poster campaign that features wine and champagne bottles with outlandish alternative stoppers like a plastic duck and the slogan: "Always imitated, never equaled."

By David Kiley | Source :: www.luxist.com

W. Wagtail Label Design

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It wouldn’t be a stretch to claim that birds are somewhat over represented on wine labels. When Voice was given the task of designing the packaging for Longview Vineyard’s sparkling wine, W.Wagtail, they recognised the importance of creating something that really stood out from the existing flock of bird themed labels.

Drawing on the audacious personality of the wine’s namesake, the Willy Wagtail, Voice modelled the label on the styling of bird watchers membership certificate from the 1940s. The ornithological subject matter was an opportunity not only to feature the local birdlife but also to feature the flora that exists around the vineyard, which hinted at the fruity and colourful flavours of the wine.

Voice dutifully handcrafted the entire certificate from scratch. To maintain the soul and structure of the original vintage certificate, Voice created the fictitious ‘Longview Sparkling Wine Society’ and its list of patrons and committee members, which cryptically referred back to those involved with the production and crafting of the sparkling wine.

Design by Voice | Source :: Lovely Package

Golden Jeroboam from Moet & Chandon

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If you're looking for a way to make a real impression at your next party, pulling out a Jeroboam of Moet & Chandon champagne is a sure way to get attention. But for the truly extroverted, the French masters of the bubbly have now announced an even more impressive presentation.

Released ahead of the holiday season, Moet's Golden Jeroboam is dressed in authentic gold leaf by Parisian jeweler Arthus Bertrand, and packs three liters – equivalent to a Double Magnum – of the finest sparkling wine.

Representing the year of the vineyard's founding, only 1743 examples will be offered, each fetching a handsome €800 ($1045).

By Noah Joseph | Source :: www.luxist.com

That Wine Tastes Great, But Could It Be The Lighting?

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Can lighting affect wine taste? One German study found that drinkers who were served a bottle of Riesling in differently lit environments had different taste experiences. Researchers found that subjects rated the wine as better and more expensive tasting when exposed to the red or blue background lighting versus rooms with green or white background lighting. According to an article in the Telegraph, the wine was described as being sweeter and fruitier in red light than in white or green light. When drinking in the red or blue lit room the subjects though the wine was worth as much as one euro more for the same bottle.

Dr Daniel Oberfeld-Twistel, of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz said in the Telegraph article that more tests are needed to determine why the color makes a difference. One theory is that some colors put people in a more positive mood but it may be more complex than that. The study certainly makes a case for mood lighting in wine shops and tasting rooms as well as in bars or restaurants.

By Deidre Woollard | Source :: www.luxist.com

Lore Wine Labels

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Lore: Accumulated knowledge through education or experience. Certainty through expertise. The logo design is inspired by the plan of a wine bottle. It evolves into a symbol of degustation, as in its finalized form, it depicts the shape of the taste bud of the human tongue.

It was created for a unique space, which aims to offer what it knows best, hence satisfying the palate as well as the need for a friendly atmosphere and human interaction.

“Lore” proffers its expertise, offering its customers an extended range of selected wines, gourmet snacks and special cocktails & liquors, while fostering communication and interpersonal connection.

Design by Chris Trivizas | Source :: Lovely Package

Lascala Wine Packaging

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Designed by Eduardo del Fraile, Spain. This wine packaging won the best of the beverages category. For more winners please visit the Pentawards 2010.Introducing Spanish wines to the Chinese market is no easy task. French wines, which are in the majority at present, opted for the path of tradition, by keeping their own identity and authenticity. Eduardo del Fraile opted for the path of culture and of blending Spanish and Chinese traditions.

Lascala, as the range is known, is the word used in China to refer to the theatre. On the bottles, Asian faces made up in white symbolise China, a lock of curly hair on the brow, symbolises Spain. Rosé wine (La Peineta – The Comb) shows a Spanish traditional diadem in the hair of a Chinese woman. White wine (El Abanico – The fan) mixes this typically Spanish (but also Asian) accessory in a very creative manner. On the red wine (La Bailaora de Flamenco – The Flamenco Dancer) the silhouette of the woman dancing stands out in black on a face made up in white. The typography also mixes Eastern and Western traditions, as the Western alphabet is treated vertically as are Chinese signs.

Finally, the bottles are covered with a tissue paper printed with red dots in reference to Flamenco dresses and shoes: A mix of the ying and the yang for the hardness of glass and the lightness of tissue paper.

Source :: Packaging of the World