Ridgeview Wine Estate has launched its first new wine in a decade, to mark its 25th anniversary as “pioneers in English sparkling wine”.

Ridgeview Oak Reserve NV has a new label design and packaging to highlight the fact the producer continues to be a driving force in the English sparkling wine industry.

Director of Winemaking, Simon Roberts, was inspired by his love of subtly oaked sparkling wines.

He said: “With careful use of oak-aged Chardonnay, we have created a Ridgeview barrel-fermented sparkling wine. Some of the very best Chardonnay grapes were selected from our home vineyard in Ditchling, planted in 1995. I have always loved what delicate oak can bring to Chardonnay and this project has allowed me to explore the additional creaminess from the oak, in harmony with our normal fresh fruit style.

“We have made a unique batch of 2,600 bottles, which I think is one of the most exciting wines that we have released.”

Designed in consultation with Brighton-based drinks designers Cookchick, the labels have an innovative design based on the texture of wood barrels. The brief highlighted the fact that oaked wines can sometimes split consumer opinion, therefore the oak label design gives no illusion to the contents of the wine. The labels are printed on Fasson Natural Cherry Wood paper, giving tactile experience to each bottle.

Designer Lee Cook said: “Such a distinctive sparkling wine demanded an equally distinctive bottle design. What could be better for a Limited-Edition Oak Reserve wine than a real wood label delivering an individual grain, pattern and colour to each of the 2,600 bottles. Combining the natural texture of oak with foil blocking - silver of course for Ridgeview's 25th Anniversary - and a unique label shape defines a celebratory feel. A great project to be involved in and a result we are all incredibly proud of."

Read more at source: drinksretailingnews

Image source: drinksretailingnews