FOOD & WINE
Behind the label Wine reviews by Gill Gordon-Smith IWE
There has long been a debate about wine, art and science. Many wine marketers would insist that wine, being a creative pursuit, is an art form. Some bottles provoke a visceral emotion, others are just a product. Some wines express the maker’s vision, while others express the provenance of site. A good label can represent all of this. Truth is, label design can make or break the sale of a wine and its positioning on a bottle-shop shelf or wine list. Many consumers will try a wine or reject one simply due to the label. It can’t change what’s in the bottle but a well-designed label can tell the story of the producer, showcase their philosophy, create an emotional connection and add value and meaning. Oliver’s Taranga 2020 Vermentino Fresh – textural – saline – citrus – delicious This label tells the story of a grape-growing and winemaking family with deep connections to the region. These are real people, still growing and working as they have for over 180 years through six generations. Voices from the past and present are represented: ‘vermentino’ is printed in a font pulled from the family archives, the story of the vintage is recorded in winemaker Corrina’s own hand, and Don Oliver’s (fifth generation viticulturist) signature appears on each label. The label adopts a minimal but premium approach to paper, colour and texture, in much the way their wines showcase the fruit, not the artifice. Spring Seed Wine Co 2019 Poppy Pinot Grigio Crisp – citrus – pear – floral – pass another A visually pretty, lush and honest label with a vintage feel that expresses the distinct personality of Spring Seed Wine Co wines compared to those of sibling winery, Battle of Bosworth. Inspired by flower seed packets created at the turn of last century, the labels have an appealing design that evokes a sense of timeless heirlooms. The cream-and-brown raised lettering on the cap together with the
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font and matt texture add to a feeling of value and quality without being pretentious. d’Arenberg 2020 Stephanie the Gnome with Rose Coloured Glasses Mourvèdre Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Cinsault Bright – fresh – cherry – dry – shared table long lunch The iconic slash of red across the label tells you instantly which McLaren Vale winery we’re dealing with here. The sheep and kangaroos found in the vineyards put a twist on the traditional crest and provide a visual connection to the new organic and biodynamic range that this wine is part of. It’s just what you expect from the imaginative, quirky and always authentic d’Arenberg. It’s fun, classic and timeless, tipping its hat to Europe, but always Australian at heart. Heath & Co 2020 Tempranillo Rosé – Finniss River Lively – balanced – dry – red fruits and berries – picnic Life and work are intertwined for this family-run single estate winery. The label captures this world – the winemakers’ home – through the peaceful and nature-driven design which references the plants and animals found on the certified organic property. The matte parchment-style paper adds to elements of nature, beauty and balance while also reflecting the ethos behind this working farm and idyllic family vineyard. The label, drawn with intricate detail, invites the viewer to look more closely, drawing them into the wonder and elegance of nature and its representation within the bottle. Dandelion Vineyards 2018 Pride of the Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon Structured – classic – black fruited – fresh herbs – classy The eponymous flower is the obvious choice for this winery’s labels, but the icon is elevated through beautiful design. Against a
