Niche spirits producer goes small as it aims to grow

Innovation is one of the keys to success in the rapidly changing drinks space.

A new 200ml  hip flask bottle adopted by peanut butter-flavoured whiskey liqueur Skrewball offers a portable, shareable and potentially recyclable format that is being trialled in Australia and New Zealand.

Skrewball Whiskey says its PET hip flask offers identical flavours to those in a full-sized bottle in packaging suitable for a party, or picnic (or for sneaking into a concert). That's my idea, not theirs.

The launch comes as smaller, portable spirit formats gain momentum with 200ml hip flasks experiencing high growth in the US.

“We’re thrilled to bring this new size and shape to Australia and New Zealand, offering our consumers more flexibility while maintaining the premium quality they expect from Skrewball,” said Steven Yeng, the company co-founder.

“With its deliciously sweet, nutty spirit, now in a compact 200ml hip flask, consumers can enjoy  Skrewball wherever the celebration takes them - from backyard barbecues to picnics and beyond.” 

For retailers, the 200ml  hip flask represents a versatile new option: it encourages trial among new consumers, complements larger bottle offerings and is well-suited for impulse purchases or gifting occasions.  

In Australia:  Skrewball’s 200ml bottle is available at independent retailers and online across Australia at an RRP of $24.99.  In New Zealand it is available at Liquorland and Thirsty Liquor with an RRP of $21.99. 

Would you like your wine in a recyclable aluminium bottle?

Brown Brothers has just unveiled an Australian first - releasing a limited-edition prosecco in a slick-looking aluminium bottle. 

The bottle is being promoted as recyclable and 40% lighter than glass.

"Delivering the same vibrant taste you know and love, this eco-friendly bottle makes it easier than ever to enjoy our prosecco," the promotional material says. 

"Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for a picnic in the park, a weekend away, or simply embracing the everyday moments worth raising a glass to."

The Brown Brothers team says the new vessel also chills faster. 

The wine is made in Victoria's King Valley and Brown Brothers says it is "a sip in the right direction when it comes from environmental impact – without compromising on flavour or quality".

The RRP for the limited-edition Prosecco Brut NV is $25. 

See https://brownfamilywines.com.au/products/aluminium-premium-prosecco-brut

Running with Bulls adds a Bagnum to its wine range

The Bagnum is fast gaining traction with younger wine drinkers. 

Running with Bulls, owned by Yalumba's Hill-Smith family, has adopted the 1.5-litre bag format for a new release of its popular tempranillo. 

The convenient soft packs are ideal for parties, picnics and camping, being lighter and easier to transport than bottles. 

While the red wine Bagnum category has so far been dominated by shiraz and pinot noir, Barossa-based Running has added tempranillo to the mix. 

The 2023 Tempranillo Bagnum is being promoted as "ideal for younger drinkers and wine explorers seeking quality without compromise". 

The Bagnum is "shareable, sessionable, and 90% lighter than glass - perfect for picnics, hikes, or quiet nights in".

The resealable Bagnum pack also stays fresh for up to 30 days after opening, compared to 3-5 days for a standard glass bottle. It's a fruity, juicy and very gluggable number.  

Launching alongside the Running with Bulls Tempranillo Bagnum is the new Bullish Shiraz - a Barossa shiraz dialled up with a dash of tempranillo. 

Running with Bulls Tempranillo Bagnum ($40) and Bullish Shiraz ($21) are available nationwide at Dan Murphy’s stores and at smithswinestore.com.au. 

Meet the new wine trend set to make a sales impact

People pour their wine from glass bottles of various sizes, from casks, pouches, cans, and even paper containers.

Now aluminium bottles are the latest trend in wine packaging.

There are growing moves to change the way wine is packaged and sold to reduce its environmental impact by using aluminium bottles instead of glass.

Bogle Family Wine Collection in the US unveiled 750ml aluminium wine bottles that are lightweight, recyclable, and constructed in the shape of a traditional wine bottle a couple of years ago.

Element[AL] Wines are sold in 100% recyclable aluminium bottles for $US14.  

“Element[AL] is more than just the launch of a new wine brand, it’s the beginning of a new way of thinking for the wine industry,” said Jody Bogle, VP of consumer relations at Bogle Family Wine Collection.

“We began by looking for ways to lightweight our existing glass bottles, and that led to a more radical approach that we feel consumers are ready to embrace.”

And trade publication the drinks business this week reported that two major brands in Europe have officially unveiled wines in aluminium bottles, with more expected to come.

Canned wine brand Vinca is releases wine in brightly printed aluminium bottles (above).

The 750ml wine bottles contain and organic white (made from Sicilian-grown catarratto grapes) and a syrah/Nero d’Avola blend.

Vinca’s initial pre-sale of 100 gift sets (offering both wines for £20) sold out within 24 hours and the wines are now on sale via Vinca’s website www.vincawine.com and Tesco stores. The wines will cost £9.

Supermarket chain Aldi has announced that its own-label The Costellore Pinot Grigio (£5.99) will be sold in an aluminium bottle from Monday.

Both Vinca and Aldi have touted the many positives of using aluminium. For starters, Vinca says, the material is “infinitely recyclable” without impacting the quality of the aluminium. Every gram of its bottle, so the brand says, is made from recycled aluminium.

What’s more, both companies claim aluminium bottles are significantly less carbon-intensive to make than glass bottles.

“Because they weigh just 68g, they cut carbon emissions at every step,” Vinca said.

Additionally, Aldi has declared that its aluminium bottle is stronger than its glass counterparts, despite being “75% lighter than a standard glass bottle” at just 95g.

“Our buying teams are constantly exploring ways to offer greater value and greener choices for our customers,” said Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK.

“We are looking for ways to make a difference, and we’re proud to be leading the

One consumer concern might be how effective an aluminium bottle is at keeping the wine inside fresh, but Vinca’s bottles feature a special lining which it says does the job well. The B-Corp-certified company further says that its aluminium bottles are “five times faster to chill than glass.”

The argument goes that aluminium cools faster than glass because it has a higher thermal conductivity.

An interesting development. 

Canned cool? Wine in a can taking off in Australia

Wine in a can is gaining serious momentum for drinking in Australia this summer. 

When leading producers like Scarborough Wine Co. in the Hunter Valley and Turkey Flat in the Barossa throw their weight behind canned wine, then you know the trend is real. 

"We're seeing consumers change their consumption behaviour, often looking for smaller serving formats to cater to different occasions (outdoors, entertaining, parties), for convenience and noting that younger consumers are blending beverages, so this could be an option to bring them into the category," say the team at Scarborough. 

"Made from the same quality wines in the Offshoot range, these cans are designed for life on the go."

The Scarborough flavours include a White Spritz Vermentino, Rosé Spritz Pinot Noir, Light White Chardonnay and Light Red Tempranillo Joven.

"We know that this format won't be for everyone, but it's great to see it being more widely embraced, with more quality options hitting the market. There's still a role for the 750ml bottles, but we need to test and trial new opportunities for specific occasions."

Scarborough and Turkey Flat both tout the convenience of wine in can for picnics, hiking, camping trips, and outdoor concerts, pointing out that cans chill faster than bottles and are easy to grab and go. 

Cans are also more sustainable and eco friendly than glass: lightweight, recyclable, with a smaller carbon footprint than glass bottles. 

Meanwhile, Turkey Flat says: "Following on from the huge success of the launch of our outstanding rosé in cans earlier this year, we have now added to the family with an Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris and a Barossa Shiraz Grenache. 

"Again, we took the high road and made sure the wines were of a high quality; we actually want the category to work for everyone, so [there is] no point putting a lesser quality wine in the can.

"They still tick all the boxes of convenience, sustainability and ease of recycling."

I've tried the rosé and it is excellent.

Jim Barry adopts lightweight bottle for 2024 rieslings

Even small steps are good steps when it comes to helping protect the environment.

Leading Clare Valley wine producer Jim Barry Wines has launched a new proprietary lightweight riesling bottle, which is says reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Its reasons: to reduce the overall environmental impact of the business, and significantly lower the company’s carbon footprint.

Beginning with the award-winning Watervale Riesling, which celebrated 50 vintages in 2023, the new bottle is 48 grams lighter than a standard riesling bottle.

The winery says that although this seems minimal, it equates to a total reduction in glass usage of 48 tonnes per year.

“As the market leader for premium Australian riesling, we are excited to be the first to produce a proprietary light-weight riesling bottle,” says sales and marketing director Sam Barry,

“This bottle plays a critical role in the future sustainability of the sector.”

The Clare Valley, of course, has a history of innovation.

The region was the first in Australia to collectively embrace the screwcap in 2000 and the new lightweight bottle is billed as the next evolution of that innovative thinking.

“Our family have always worked to minimise our environmental impact," Sam Barry says.

"This bottle in just one way we are reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring our business is sustainable for future generations.”

Jim Barry Wines is now a Toitu – carbonreduce-certified organisation. The business is also a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and will undertake the certification audit in October 2024.

The new lightweight bottles will begin appearing on the market in the coming weeks, and will eventually be used for all Jim Barry Wines rieslings for the 2024 vintage.

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/

Here comes wine in a paper bottle

How would you feel about enjoying your wine from a paper bottle?

Leading UK supermarket Aldi has announced plans to launch two own-label wines in paper bottles, the first supermarket to do so in that country.

The two wines - a shiraz and a sauvignon blanc from South Africa - will launch on March 18 to coincide with global recycling day, influential industry newsletter the drinks business reports.

And the wines under the Cambalala label will not be super-cheap: retailing for £7.99 (around $15.50 in Australian money).

The bottles are described as fully recyclable and are made from 94% recycled paperboard which is lined with a food-grade pouch that seals the wine.

English company Frugalpac says the packaging is both light in weight and easy to recycle.

It says the bottles have a carbon footprint 84% lower than a glass bottle.

The bottle is also five times lighter than a standard glass bottle.

Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said that shoppers are looking for small ways to make a big difference for our planet and become more sustainable in their daily lives.

“Our buying teams are continuously thinking of how we can evolve our ranges to offer greater value and greener choices," she says. "We are proud to be the first supermarket to launch an own-brand paper bottle, helping to drive sustainable change.”

I have no doubt that Aldi Australia wine buyer Jason Bowyer is monitoring the situation carefully.

Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, said his company was thrilled to be partnering with Aldi UK on the new line.

“Our ambition has always been to allow more people the opportunity to enjoy our paper Frugal Bottles, giving them greener choices,” he said.

“Launching in a major UK supermarket means more shoppers can now drink responsibly and sustainably and we are so pleased to be part of that journey.”

Wise Wolf delivers a sustainable wine message

Wise Wolf is a new range of wines from Banrock Station, sold in bottles that are made with 91% recycled glass. 

Which is a great innovation from owners Accolade Wines. 

The only issue is that the packaging looks very similar to Wolf Blass Wines, owned by Treasury Wine Estates, and the name also invites confusion from non-wine savvy consumers. Or maybe it's just me. 

A French range was launched last year in European markets and the new Wise Wolf range for Australia features labels made from 100% upcycled sugarcane, caps made with 26% less materials than average caps and wine cartons are made from 100% recycled paper pulp.

"As one of the largest wine companies in the world, we are focused on leading the pack with innovations that make real and lasting change," says the release. 

The first wines in the Australian range are an Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc and a Limestone Coast Chardonnay, with a Barossa Shiraz to follow in May next year.

Wise Wolf by Banrock Station is available now in major retailers including Dan Murphy’s, BWS and First Choice. 

If you want to know more check out https://banrockstation.com.au/pages/wise-wolf

Greenskin finds a new partner for its environmentally friendly wines

I'm an admirer of the Greenskin range of wines sold in pouches rather than bottles. 

Now Greenskin has announced a recycling breakthrough in the wake of the demise of former partner the RedCycle business. 

Greenskin has a commitment to sustainability and innovation and after a search for a new recycling partner this week announced a collaboration with Plasmar. 

Greenskin founder Mike Davies says that unlike RedCycle, Plasmar is not an intermediary; but a full-fledged recycling operation that transforms plastic waste into long-life, environmentally friendly alternatives to timber. 

The material is used to create a range of durable products, including pallets, sleepers, bollards, and even vineyard posts, forming a full circle that sees the wine pouches return to the vineyards.

“Even without our recycling program, the energy savings in production and transport make Greenskin Wine pouches a far more sustainable choice than glass bottles,” Davies said. 

"But by working with Plasmar, our wine industry first, closed-loop recycling system amplifies our sustainability efforts to the next level and also offers consumers more sustainable choices when it comes to indulging in their favourite wines.” 

Rose Smithers, founder of Plasmar, said she was thrilled to embark on a new partnership with Greenskin Wine.

“We have been inundated with enquiries since the demise of RedCycle and have had to be very highly selective on whom we partner with," she said. 

“Greenskin Wines' appeal to Plasmar is the fact that they are forward-thinking in terms of sustainability and are challenging tradition in the wine industry.

“Not only is the production and transport of Greenskin Wines' packaging more sustainable than traditional glass bottles, but by offering their customers a free and easy way to return their empties to us aligns both companies' shared dedication to a greener future.” 

Greenskin Wine entered the market in 2021, introducing premium wine packaged into a fully recyclable, 750ml soft pouch.

Greenskin Wine was the first in Australia to package premium wine in a 750ml format that offers convenience but also champions environmental sustainability.

Greenskin Wine is sold by the six-pack directly to consumers via their website and is delivered Australia-wide. The packaging is then returned for recycling. 

See https://greenskinwine.com/ 

Coopers goes full throttle with new Vintage Ale

Coopers Brewery has updated its Vintage Ale packaging to reflect the brewery’s new brand design ahead of the 2023 seasonal ale release.

Each year, the Coopers brewing team creates a vintage premium quality craft-style beer. 

The limited-edition Coopers 2023 Vintage Ale features American hop Talus, which provides intense fruity and floral flavours. In keeping with the heritage of Vintage Ale, this year’s release is a full-bodied, extra-strong ale sitting at alcohol level of 7.5% ABV. 

So not a drop for the faint hearted. 

Coopers managing director and chief brewer, Dr Tim Cooper, said the 2023 Vintage Ale continues the brewery’s tradition of producing popular annual seasonal releases.

“Australian drinkers have a real thirst for seasonal brews, and we expect loyal Coopers drinkers will be exceptionally pleased with this year’s Vintage Ale release,” he said.

“A rich, balanced and full-bodied ale, the 2023 vintage drinks well immediately, and if stored under cellar conditions will evolve and develop to become more complex over time.

“The flavour hero of the 2023 Vintage is Talus, a dual-purpose American hop that delivers bold aromas of citrus and berries, with grapefruit, stone fruit, coconut, and pine on the palate.

“As with every Coopers Vintage release, only a limited number of kegs and cartons are available, so drinkers should get in early to ensure they don’t miss out.:

Coopers 2023 Vintage Ale is the 23rd in a series of Vintage Ales that commenced in 1998.

It will be available in liquor outlets from late July in 355mL bottles, six-packs and 24-pack cartons. Vintage Ale will also be available for a limited time on tap at selected venues around the country.

WTAF urges immediate changes to wine industry packaging

A heavyweight group of wine industry professionals in the UK is lobbying for the adoption of alternative wine formats and the elimination of heavy, environmentally friendly glass bottles

The WTAF (Wine Traders for Alternative Formats) published an open letter this week, calling for “real change in our industry and less reliance on heavy glass bottles”.

The group wants the introduction of consumer tax incentives for carbon-friendly alternative packaging.

The manufacturing and recycling of glass bottles is wine’s biggest greenhouse gas contributor, the WTAF says.

In order to minimise the carbon footprint of wines consumers drink - and to make lasting sustainable change - WTAF is urging the industry to seek out wines in alternative packaging wherever possible.

In an open letter to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Cartlidge MP, it says: "The manufacturing and recycling of glass bottles is wine’s biggest greenhouse gas contributor.

"In order to minimise the carbon footprint of the wines we drink, we need to seek out wines in alternative packaging wherever possible.

"Switching from glass to alternative formats could save as much as 750,000,000 KgCO2e of emissions every year in the UK alone. This is the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road overnight, and equates to well over a third of the carbon footprint of wine consumed in the UK."

The letter - signed by luminaries including Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson - continues: "The IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) recently found that without deep and meaningful emissions reductions across all sectors, it will not be possible to limit global warming to 1.5°C. In the scenarios they assessed, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 43% this decade.

"We believe that like all other sectors, wine is duty bound to achieve this target as an absolute minimum. This will not be possible without reducing our reliance on traditional glass bottles. Viable alternative formats include boxed wine, canned wine, kegs, returnable glass bottles, paper bottles and pouches, all of which come with vastly reduced carbon footprints as well as a variety of other benefits.

"Crucially, there is little or no perceivable difference in quality between these formats and wine in glass bottles for wines drunk within a few months of purchase, as most are."

Wine Traders for Alternative Formats (WTAF) describes itself as "an alliance of premium and innovative wine companies promoting quality wine in alternative formats".

Image: Australian producer Greenskin sells wine in recyclable pouches    

Jansz teams with artist for colourful gift pack

The Jansz label is a byword for reliably good cool-climate sparkling wines from Tasmania.

Just in time for party season, Jansz has partnered with award-winning Tasmanian illustrator Daniel Gray-Barnett to create a new Jansz Tasmania Seasonal Release gift box.

Gray-Barnett has created a special piece called Our Breath, Our Song for the Jansz Tasmania Premium Cuvée Gift Boxes (Christmas) and also for a Premium Rosé (which will be available for Mother’s Day 2023).

The artist says Our Breath, Our Song is inspired by the majesty and mythology of the Bass Strait.

The abstract work "explores the flow of time, people and nature".

“I drew inspiration from the Tasmanian landscape and in particular, the Pipers River region where the Jansz Vineyard makes its home,” says Gray-Barnett.

"The river seemed like a really fitting symbol to base the artwork around and tie in elements that make the area and Tasmania so special.

“Our Breath, Our Song is about our changing relationship with Tasmania, its flora and fauna and the flow of air, water, time and people.

“I think it’s also unexpectedly vibrant - Tasmania is usually considered low-key and understated, but is actually bursting with creativity and life.

“Jansz is such a uniquely iconic Tasmanian brand. Not only is it a favourite in our house, but it’s a perfect representation of what I love about Tasmanian creativity - organic, an appreciation for craft and a respect for old ways.”

This is the third edition of the Jansz Tasmania's Seasonal Release, with the sparkling house having previously worked with Tasmanian artists Eloise Lark and Jamin.

The Jansz Tasmania Premium Cuvée Seasonal Release packaging is available in retail liquor stores up until Christmas, with a recommended retail price of $30.

Wine in a flat bottle anyone?

Serving wine from a flat plastic bottle might sound like heresy for wine lovers but the Coles group are betting on the new packaging being a success. 

A wine bottle made entirely from Australian-sourced 100% recycled PET plastic is helping to reshape the carbon footprint of wine by targeting the industry’s environmental hotspot, the glass bottle.

In a collaboration between sustainable packaging pioneers Packamama and winemakers Accolade Wines and Taylors Wines with eco-bottles of Banrock Station wines and Taylors’ One Small Step range on sale exclusively through select Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market stores nationally from this month.

The launch marks the Australian market debut of the eco-bottles.

With a nod to tradition, Packamama’s innovative eco-bottle shares the classic high-shouldered silhouette of a traditional ‘Bordeaux’ wine bottle. But when turned to the side, it reveals a slimmer, flatter profile that allows twice as many bottles to fit in a standard wine case - which means it’s much more efficient to transport. 

Using recycled PET also saves weight and with the bottles being 83% lighter, emissions in transport are reduced as well as the energy in production and recycling to further tackle greenhouse gas emissions.

The freight-friendly bottle has the potential to significantly reduce the road transport burden and emissions for wine in Australia.

Were both Accolade Wines and Taylors Wines to switch entirely to eco-bottles, it would cut an impressive 250,000 km of road freight a year or the equivalent of a semi-trailer travelling from Melbourne to Broome 50 times.

And when customers are finished with their Banrock Station and One Small Step Wines, the empty bottle is fully recyclable.

While the shape of the eco-bottle is a departure from the traditional round wine bottle, Packamama’s chief executive and founder Santiago Navarro is confident the time is right for Australian winemakers to  challenge a couple of centuries of tradition.

“Australia is globally recognised as a leader in wine packaging thanks to break-through innovations, including bag-in-box casks and screw-top caps for wines, and we are highly motivated to launch our climate-friendly bottle at Coles with Accolade Wines and Taylors Wines,” Navarro said.

“Coles’ ambition to be Australia’s most sustainable retailer is powerfully aligned with our ambition to deliver the world’s most scalable, sustainable bottle.”

Mia Lloyd, Coles Liquor Acting General Manager Customer, Trade Planning & Insights, said it was exciting to be at the leading edge of packaging innovation with the eco-bottle.

“We know our customers want us to do more in relation to sustainability and this exclusive collaboration with Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market, Packamama, Taylors Wines and Accolade Wines significantly reduces the carbon footprint of wine for customers every day. The lightweight and flatter eco-bottle also gives our customers a convenient new option when they’re packing for that camping or caravan holiday,”, Lloyd said.

Accolade Wines, who launched the eco-flat bottle two years ago in Europe, says it is on a mission to improve the sustainability of the wine industry and has ambitious targets to advance circular economy packaging across its entire portfolio.

“In the last 18 months alone, we have launched a variety of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions including wine in cans, wine on tap, bagnums, as well as a world-first circular, sustainable packaging solution for on-premise partners,” said Sandy Mayo, Accolade Wines Global Chief Marketing Officer.

“We chose Banrock Station to launch the eco bottle in Australia, because the environmental credentials fit perfectly with the brand’s 25-year sustainability heritage and its commitment to forging a more sustainable future for the planet.” 

Taylors’ third-generation managing director,  Mitchell Taylor said the eco-bottle delivered a more sustainable bottle for consumers and provided another way for wineries to improve their carbon footprint.

“We know that Australian wine drinkers are very open to innovation when it provides real benefits, like this sustainable eco-bottle does,” Taylor said.

Banrock Station eco-bottle Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, and Taylors One Small Step Eco-bottle Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are all $16. 

# I sampled the Banrock Pinot Grigio and it tasted fine. No discernable flavour difference to a wine in a glass bottle. 

        

Less is more for Taylors

I love half bottles of wine. 

Perfect if you want a glass or two of white followed by a red with the main course. 

Unfortunately, half bottles have largely fallen out of vogue - but Clare Valley-based family winery Taylors has unveiled a selection of half-sized bottles featuring its Jaraman range of regional blends. 

The Jaraman range is known for showcasing the terroirs of two distinctly different wine regions. 

For its initial release of 375ml bottles, Taylors has selected its 2020 Jaraman Clare Valley and Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (RRP $20), 2020 Jaraman Clare Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz (RRP $20) and the 2021 Jaraman Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley Chardonnay (RRP $15).

“It’s exciting to share these incredible wines in a half-size format,” says managing director Mitchell Taylor. 

“The wine-drinking occasion has changed a lot over the years from the traditional wine at home with a meal. More and more people want to enjoy premium quality wines at a picnic without carrying an entire bottle or worrying about any wine wastage. 

“The half-bottle format in the Jaraman range does just the trick.”

Wine Intelligence reports there has been a steady rise in awareness for alternative packaging formats in wine, accentuated by the impacts of Covid-19 on drinking occasions. 

It is noted in the research that “younger drinkers (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to consider purchasing a range of alternative packaging as they consider them a suitable choice for people like them.

“There have been so many new and exciting innovations in wine pack formats, but ultimately the desire for a premium quality wine is paramount,” Taylor says. 

The new Jaraman half-bottles will be available from select independent retailers, from Taylors cellar door, and online at www.taylorswines.com.au.

Global drinks giant aims to say farewell to plastic

Global drinks giant Bacardi has announced it plans to cut plastics in its gifts packs this Christmas and for all gift packs to be 100% plastics free by 2023. 

The company owns brands including Bacardi, Grey Goose, Patron, Dewar's, Martini and Bombay Sapphire.

All gift packs in family-owned company’s range are on track to being 100% plastic free over the next two years and this holiday season its range of gift packs will contain 50% less plastic than last year.

Bacardi is removing a total of 147 tonnes of single-use plastic used annually in its gift packs through innovative new designs, which remove the need for plastic, and by replacing plastic inserts or trays with sustainable alternatives. 

The company has set 2030 as the goal for being 100% plastic free.

“As a family-owned company for nearly 160 years, we have crafted exceptional drinks enjoyed by generations of consumers,” said Rodolfo Nervi, vice-president Global Safety, Quality & Sustainability (that's quite a title Rodolfo) for Bacardi. 

“We have achieved this long success by always looking to the future and doing the right thing for our consumers, our customers and our company.  

"We want to be the most environmentally responsible global drinks company and we will only achieve this ambition by constantly exploring and investing in new innovations, like sustainable alternatives to plastic;  which will help us meet our environmental goals.”

Other goals, which are in addition to the company’s commitment to be plastic-free in a decade, include: 50% cut in greenhouse gas emissions; 25% cut in water consumption; 100% key raw materials and packaging sourced sustainably; 100% of product packaging to be recyclable; 40% recycled content of product packaging materials. 

More details at www.bacardilimited.com/corporate-responsibility/environment/

Are you ready to drink your wine from a paper bottle?

Australians drink their wine from bottles, from casks and pouches, even from cans.

But are they ready to enjoy their vino from paper bottles or cartons?

A survey of 1,741 wine drinkers across the UK found that almost two-thirds were willing to buy wine in paper ‘Frugal’ bottles, Vitisphere reported this week.

The innovative packaging, which weighs just 83 grams - five times less than a glass bottle - reportedly has a carbon footprint up to six times lower than glass, is made without chemicals from recycled cardboard and can be taken apart entirely for recycling.

“We have been on a journey to find the right solution, starting with pulped paper,” Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, the company behind the innovation, told Vitisphere.

“We create and supply recycled paper-based products with the lowest carbon footprint that are easily recycled again and don’t need go to landfill."

The Frugal Bottle has been in the launch and marketing phase for two years.

Ceri Parke, owner of Cantina Goccia in Umbria, said: “We had made a lot of progress in the vineyard to reduce our carbon footprint, but the packaging was still the weak link.” 

The winery launched its wines in Frugal bottles in June 2020.

Cantina Goccia is committed to using sustainable packaging and has worked closely with Frugalpac in the development of the bottle.

The winery is promoting paper bottles on its website https://www.cantinagoccia.com/

Silent Pool Distillers became the first drinks company to sell a spirit in Frugalpac’s Frugal Bottle for its Green Man Woodland Gin, while Greek olive oil producer Aeons has unveiled the first oil in a paper bottle.

For details see https://frugalpac.com/

Discover a casual new way to enjoy wine

 

Just last month I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the wines in Yalumba's Winesmiths casks. 

Now, in a further move away from bottles and towards alternative packaging, Trentham Estate has unveiled an eye-catching new product - a 1.5-litre wine pouch branded as Three's A Crowd. 

The pouch is being promoted as a way to enjoy wine that offers convenience, sustainability and quality.

The new pouch range initially offers a pinot grigio and pinot noir in eye-catching packaging.

With the increase in outdoor get-togethers becoming the "new norm" and many consumers limiting their alcohol intake, Trentham Estate saw an opportunity. 

The pouches are being pitched as "perfect for outdoor activities such as picnics, camping, beach holidays and even road trips". The wines will last several weeks in a fridge. 

“In this current climate consumers are looking for more affordable alternatives, however they still want great quality wine and Three's A Crowd offers that,” says Anthony Murphy, chief winemaker and managing director.

The compact pouch, which holds the equivalent of two standard bottles of wine, produces 80% less carbon emissions than glass (glass bottles and their transportation being the two biggest contributors to the carbon footprint of wine production).

Designed by Melbourne-based packaging design studio, Design Energy, the colours for each varietal reflect day and night and also the seasonal changes.

The pinot noir is lightish, fresh and lively and could easily be chilled during summet, while the pinot grigio is crisp and refreshing. 

Given both are effectively priced at around $1 per glass, you cannot go wrong. Recommended. 

The pouches are available exclusively from First Choice Liquor Market stores, Australia-wide for $16 each. 

For further information, visit www.trenthamestate.com.au/threesacrowd

Meet the unbreakable, infinitely recyclable wine bottle

An American winery has launched a new brand that is bottled in "unbreakable, infinitely recyclable" aluminium bottles. 

Sonoma County producer Limerick Lane Cellars calls the range Revelshine and says the wines are designed for outdoor enjoyment, the Drinks Business reports. 

The range comprises a red blend made from zinfandel, shirah and durif; a chardonnay/grenache blanc blend and a GSM rosé with a touch of grenache blanc. 

The lightweight packaging was created by New York-based branding agency Motto and the surfboard, guitar, campfire and backpack icons on the back of the bottle emphasise the al fresco message.

“While my work life has always led me through wine, my passion and love is the outdoors," says brand founder Jake Bilbro.

"Rivers, mountains, beaches, music festivals – this is where I find my inspiration.

“I realised, along with my other friends who are surfers, skiers, kayakers, mountain bikers and musicians, that you just don’t have good wine where we enjoy these activities.

“If you do, it’s because you had to go to extraordinary lengths to bring it, such as duct taping your bottles or pouring your good wine into inflatable bladders from previous boxed wine. No matter the bottle, glass doesn’t work on the beach or the river. And that is how Revelshine was created."

Bilbro hopes the wines will be "packed in and packed out, so we can preserve the outdoors for the next generation.” 

Revelshine has partnered with environmental group 1% for the Planet and is working towards adding more sustainable products to the range.