When good friends whip out a bagnum

There are times when you just need a decent wine that is easily accessible.

You are heading to the beach, perhaps, or having a picnic, or a few friends around for a barbecue.

Bottles are unwieldly, casks just a little unreliable. What might fit the bill is a bagnum.

Australian wine brand Rewild has just launched its new eco-conscious bagnum format - joining a growing number of brands that offer the combo of decent drinking and lightweight convenience.

The Rewild bagnum options are 2023 chardonnay, 2023 sauvignon blanc and 2022 shiraz produced by Duxton Vineyards.

All are very drinkable at a price point that effectively sits them at under $10 a bottle, with the sauvignon blanc extremely varietal and refreshing, the stone fruit-driven chardonnay very decent and the shiraz at pub by-the-glass level.

All three wines are 100% Vegan friendly and the bagnums are designed to be shared, with each unit holding 1.5 litres (or the equivalent of 2x750ml glass bottles).

Rewild senior winemaker Tony Allen says the bagnum format gives wine-lovers a sustainable, convenient and affordable option:

“The consumer mindset when it comes to wine packaging is changing, with eco-conscious wine drinkers now appreciating that a bagnum format offers many benefits," he said.

"Not only does the bagnum hold more than a standard wine bottle, it also keeps wine fresher for longer [up to 30 days] once opened when compared to traditional bottled wine.

"With the packaging being at least 90% lighter than glass - and available at an affordable price point for 1.5 litres - the Rewild bagnum is perfect for outdoor group events or gatherings, or for those looking for a delicious yet affordable option.”

So not for a dinner party, perhaps, but certainly good pizza, pasta, picnic wines. All the fruit comes from vineyards in the Southern Murray Darling region.

Rewild bagnums are available at Dan Murphy’s stores starting from from $17.99.

See http://rewildwine.com.au/

Meet Solara: a new entrant in the sparkling wine market

 

It is that time of the year. New drink products proliferate in the lead-up to Christmas, and Duxton Vineyards is quick off the mark.

The South Australian wine producer of "sustainable" wines under the Rewild label has announced the debut of Solara - a new brand of sparkling wines that includes a prosecco and chardonnay pinot noir blend.

I am not the demographic, as the brand is designed to appeal to a younger drinkers with partying in mind.

A media release tells me "Solara is designed to inspire consumers to ‘Live With Fizz’, embrace the moment and make every day occasions worth celebrating".

Grapes have been sourced from the Murray Darling region and the brand will be positioned in the sub-$20 category.

“After a hugely successful launch with Rewild last year, Duxton Vineyards is thrilled to be releasing our new sparkling wine brand Solara to the Australian market," said general manager Wayne Ellis.

“We have seen an increased appetite from consumers for affordable sparkling wine options that don’t compromise on taste, and Solara is our response to this demand.

"Solara Prosecco and Chardonnay Pinot Noir are fresh, flavourful and youthful, and perfect to enjoy as part of summer celebrations or festive drinking occasions.”

Duxton Vineyards is one Australia’s largest vineyard holders with over 26 different varietals on vine in the Mildura and Sunraysia regions. Its wines are distributed in Australia by Pure Wine Co.

It is clearly designed for the domestic market as there are already wine brands called Solara in South Africa and in Romania.  

Solara is Latin for “from the sun”. 

New sustainable wine range offers sub-$10 value

It is hard to find a sub-$10 wine that shines, but I was genuinely impressed by both the varietal chardonnay and the well-balanced sauvignon blanc in the range of  sustainability-driven new Australian wine brand Rewild. 

The $9.99 range from Duxton Vineyards released this week includes a chardonnay, moscato, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc and rosé, with red varietals arriving later in 2022.

The blurb says the wines are all produced using sustainable methods and made using minimal intervention. That's good stuff. 

The range is also 100% vegan friendly, ticking another hipster box, along with ethical consumption credentials.

Recent studies have revealed that almost two in three Australians (65%) are concerned about their carbon footprint, and 40% of consumers value and consider a company’s environmental efforts when purchasing products 

Duxton Vineyards is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. 

Senior winemaker Tony Allen says Rewild is a wine range that celebrates Australian agriculture and is dedicated to improving the environment.

“It’s the land that gifts us these wines, so it’s important that we give back and support meaningful change," Allen says. 

"Rewild is created for people who enjoy delicious wine but also want to make purchase decisions they feel good about, and have a positive impact on the environment.” 

The Rewild bottles are lightweight and packed in FSC-certified recycled cardboard, and the labels are made from sugarcane - all features designed to minimise the brand’s carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

Rewild has a goal to reach 100% renewable energy, uses regenerative farming practices, water-saving initiatives and a biodiversity management plan as well as not using any animal products.

All the grapes come from the southern Murray Darling region. 

The wines are available from Dan Murphy’s stores nationally for $9.99. 

See http://rewildwine.com.au/