Opel Nera

The Global Relaunch of ‘The Dark Secret’

THE FRANCOLI FAMILY HAS BEEN DISTILLING IN SOME SHAPE OR FORM SINCE 1875. THE FAMILY MOVED FROM CAMPDOLCINO TO GHEMME, A TOWN HIGH IN THE ITALIAN ALPS, SOON AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR, AND IT IS HERE THAT THE FAMILY SET ABOUT MAKING ITS MARK AS A HIGH-QUALITY DISTILLER FAMOUS FOR GRAPPA AND OPAL NERA. THE DISTILLERY WAS AN EARLY ADOPTER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES, OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED IMPATTO ZERO® BY LIFEGATE, THE REFERENCE FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN ITALY WAY BACK IN 2006.

LETIZIA FRANCOLI, GRANDDAUGHTER OF LUIGI FRANCOLI, VISITED AUSTRALIA FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW-LOOK BOTTLE.

The brand relaunch is being rolled out across all markets in 2020, with Australia receiving the first bottles this month. Starting with the 700ml, followed by the 500ml and the 1-litre variants in the coming months.

Having grown up around the distillery, Leitizia Francoli particualrly likes the way the bottle colour changes, empahsising the purple hue that Opal Nera has in the glass.

“The purple comes from the infusion of elderberries; as you pour from the bottle you can see the colour change from black frosted glass to the colour of Opal Nera.”

The striking new bottle comes with a unique code for consumers to crack. Playing on its mysterious point of difference, a code lies beneath the logo. It also sits on the bottleneck, which consumers can decipher using a sequence of letters and numbers that appear on the rim, revealing the words ‘dark secret’.

The design coincides with Australia’s explosion in the popularity of Insta-worthy liqueurs and aperitifs.

Nothing changes with the liquid itself; the distinctive taste the result of a blend of spices including star anise and green aniseed, orange blossom, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and lemons from Sicily.

Nigel Brown, Commercial Director, Gruppo Francoli, says: “This is an elegant design solution that captures people’s attention. It is still recognisably Opal Nera but has been brought up to date so that it will appeal to the modern consumer.

“It’s a sophisticated response that plays to Opal Nera’s distinctive qualities, making it stand out in a sea of conservative brands. We love the way consumers are now drawn in and taken on a journey of discovery, with layered packaging that engages bartenders and drinkers and makes Opal Nera a memorable experience.”

Contact your local Spirits Platform Representative for stocking information.

LETIZIA’S SUGGESTION:

OPAL MULE 30ml Opal Nera 30ml vodka 15ml lime juice Top with Fever Tree ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge.