New Wine Bottle Formats

Firstly, let me apologise for the lack of posts lately, I’ve had a busy couple of weeks at work! So, on my first day off, in what feels like forever, I’ve been trawling through my inbox, deleting all the rubbish you get sent these days, and trying to catch up on the news. That’s where I came across several articles’s in Harpers and Decanter about new product launches for wines in smaller bottles.

The first new product comes from Lanchester Wine Cellars. The new Inspiral range of red, white and rose varietals will all come in a 187ml spiral shaped plastic bottle, which are supposed to have been designed to attract your attention. The bottle also has excellent green credentials, being fully recyclable, reduced in weight, emissions and carbon footprint. Let’s just hope the wine lives up to expectations after seeing the packaging.

The other comes in the form of a 100ml screw cap test tube. Not a new design, however, a new concept of packaging for Sauternes! Grand Cru Classe property, Chateau d’Arche, is planning to launch its second wine, La Perle d’Ardech, in this form in nightclubs across Bordeaux and Singapore in September. Supposedly aimed at the younger generation who don’t know about it, or who think it’s too expensive, the aim is to offer an alternative to Vodka. They are also looking at creating vintage box sets for tourists.

Will these take off? Honestly, I’m not sure of the Inspiral range; it will all depend on the price. As for the test tubes of Sauternes, in the right location (probably very exclusive nightclubs), then yes, yes I do! I’d certainly give it a go!

The Loss of Leasingham

Sad news in Harpers last week. Apparently, Constellation will close the Leasingham winery in the Clare Valley, Australia, if they cannot find a buyer soon. Rationalisation was inevitable for many big companies in the current climate, as they try to maximise profit from falling revenue.

The plan for the 116 year old estate had been to maintain the Leasingham brand, purchasing the grapes from its new owners. Unfortunately a buyer has yet to be found according to Harpers. This week though it managed to sell 75 hectares to Tim Adams Wines, another Clare Valley Producer, at a knock down price. Sadly, this leaves housing redevelopment as an option for the remainder of the estate.

The Leasingham winery produces some fantastic wines from Shiraz, both as a still and a sparkling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling…one of my favourite wines.

I hope a buyer can be found soon, or alternatively, that Constellation changes it mind and keeps the winery. If they don’t, whilst the brand Leasingham will remain, it will no longer be specifically grapes from that estate and could encompass any Australian grape. I don’t know about you, but for me, it just wouldn’t be the same again!