innocent bystander’ s Phil Sexton says it best:“ like the bystander, these wines tread gently, judge nobody and most of all, leave a lasting impression.”
The signature image that appears on Torbreck wines harkens back to its namesake, the Torbreck forest, a Scottish forest where founder David Powell worked as a lumberjack in his younger years.
The classic simplicity of Grant Burge’ s Miamba Shiraz label highlights its origins, foregrounding the restoration of the historical vineyard that produces its grapes.
Branding, marketing, elegance, or self-expression: the label is window between producer and wine lover. It is also the legal passport as the wine crosses international boundaries and arrives at its destinations around the world.
Just the facts, ma’ am
Australian wines must comply with the national Label Integrity Program: if a producer makes a label claim about the wine, he or she must be able to prove that claim.
Grape variety: If a grape variety or region is listed, then at least 85 per cent of the wine must be from that variety or region. If more than one variety is listed, then these must be listed in descending order. Also, if more than 5 per cent of the wine is drawn from any grape variety, that variety must appear on the front label. For example, Burge Family 2008 Olive Hill Shiraz- Grenache-Mourvedre is predominantly Shiraz( 76 per cent), then Grenache( 14 per cent), and Mourvedre( 10 per cent), drawn from Burge’ s Olive Hill vineyard block.
Region: Australian regions are sorted by Geographical Indications( GI or GIs). The GI might be a small subregion( Adelaide Hills or Yarra Valley) or large territory, but at least 85 per cent of the wine must be from that region. One superzone is allowed: the almost generic“ South Eastern Australia.” This huge GI encompasses the vast majority of Australian wine regions.
Exporting: Actual requirements for labelling vary from country to country and even from year to year. Producers must comply with regulations both at home and at the destination country— often requiring a stock of various labels.
The combination of fantasy, art, and even the legalities make for interesting reading. While the wine inside must be good enough for the wine lover to return, it is the front face, the label, wearing the evocative attitude on the shelf, that first lures us in for a taste. b
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