There are two pieces of information about wine that people often turn to a back label to discover. One is the taste profile. Primarily, what fruit is expressed in the wine. The other is food matches. Producers often provide these answers. In some cases, the brand is built around the food match by featuring a particular creature as a suggestive accompaniment. Cows, pigs, chickens, and fish are not uncommon as primary images on front labels.
Selaks takes communicating this information to a new level. Their label explodes with a cornucopia of clues as to what to expect from this wine. This is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc so the tropical flavours of pineapple and citrus fruit are typical. Those fruits are visually presented amongst an array of herbs and flowers. Then there are some sea shells. I’m not sure if that’s to elaborate on the tropical theme or suggest matching with mollusks.
If you don’t respond to the visual clues, Selaks spells it out for you. “Tropical fruit intensity from cool summer nights.” Again, this is on the front label. The back label expands on the “Origins” and flavour subject in greater detail.
Two other elements of interest give this package an air of sophistication. The dark, mossy green background of the label is very on-trend right now. The brand name Selaks set large, in gold with a modern sans serif typeface is strong and distinct. The look is unique amongst competitors in the NZ SB category.
Selaks Sauvignon Blanc is priced at mid-range. While the package suggests a premium offering, many less expensive New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines offer more of the tropical expression promised by this wine. It isn’t the wine that over-delivers here. It’s the package.
