By Benjamin Quigan
What happens when art and wine collide?
The result is a new range of wines named The People’s Wine.
A partnership between Constellation Wines and Hawkes Bay artist Martin Poppelwel, The People’s Wine boasts five varietals - each created in the best region for that particular variety.
The People’s Wine Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the Awatere Valley, the Chardonnay Wairu region of Marlborough, while both the Pinot Gris and Merlot hail from the company’s corner 50 vineyard in Hawkes Bay. The Pinot Noir is planted in Central Otago.
Each label is individually designed by Poppelwel, with interesting an brushstroke font on the front. The faint pencil mark under each line of text represents a childlike guide to keeping the words straight.
A hand sketched pie chart on the back of the bottle describes the characteristics of the wine, using somewhat unconventional adjectives and food matches.
The bottles defiantly stand out on the shelves. They are fun, lively and give a different take to the more conventional labels alongside it.
Obviously the labels play are a big part of The People’s Wine – however, a label can only go so far. At the end of the day its what’s inside that really counts.
I was given a bottle of The People’s Wine Sauvignon Blanc to sample.
The nose is not overly large; there are hints of passion fruit aromas - which is quite typical of Sauvignon from Marlborough.
The palate is very crisp and fresh with quite a good balance between fruity and acidic notes, followed by a dry finish.
Overall it is a very drinkable Sauvignon Blanc, either on its own or perhaps with some fresh scallops or seafood.
For the low to medium price range that it will be selling for I never expected it to be mind blowing and it is far from outstanding. However, I would recommend trying it for something a bit different.
The bottle will defiantly stand out on the table next time you share some wine with friends.
7/10
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