The Pradio Rok label is a study in contrast. For a minimalist label, there is much to behold.
The label spans a mere 35mm. Perhaps that’s why they set the product name vertically. Even though it’s only three letters. The grungy Rok type, set in glossy, bright red, pops off the matte black background. The background is also textured and towards the bottom, rippled in waves that subtly suggest layers of soil and rock. The ripples could use more enhancement. They are barely noticeable. In contrast to the Rok type, the other limited information is set in a basic sans serif. A silver family crest at the bottom of the label seems a bit incongruous with the modernist direction of the other elements. Was it an insistance of moderate voices in content discussions? The label would rock harder without it.
The Rok branding is equally a noun and a verb. The primary inspiration is the rocky soil from which the vines in this region produce their fruit. The winemakers are proud of their effort to maximize the potential of the land. It rocks convention and delivers wine that, well…rocks!
Producers often extol the nuances of their process in an expansive dissertation on the back label. The story you’ll find on their website is nowhere to be seen on their package. The back label is the same long, narrow dimension as the front with the bare minimum of required information.
I wasn’t expecting much from this wine. The label tells you little about it. I just liked the Rok branding enough to review the whole package. Surprisingly, it rocks! Quite intense with red berry, cherry and plum flavours, and good balance. It is the wine that this package should deliver. Perfect match.
