Sterling Vineyards has made an interesting foray into the alternative packaging category. While aluminum cans are a popular option, an aluminum bottle is pretty unique. I’m not sure if this design is exclusive but it does differentiate itself from most competitors.
This container should appeal for several reasons. As with cans, aluminum chills quickly, is lightweight, portable, and highly recyclable. Where this bottle design has an advantage is with its twist-off cap. Not only is it resealable it’s reusable. Keep it around to store a half-finished bottle or use it for water. This highlights another advantage of this container, its size. It holds 375 mL. Half a bottle or single serving for two if you like.
The graphic design is a bold departure for Sterling as well. It is modern and minimal with primarily typographic elements printed in black—most of it reading vertically—on the natural aluminum background. A retro Sterling Vineyards badge design is printed on both the bottle and on top of the cap. The Chardonnay is one of three wines offered in this product line that also includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosé. Each has a related colour accent for its cap and stripe at the bottom of the bottle. Gold for the Chardonnay.
This wine presents the typical butter and vanilla flavours of California Chardonnay. Usually the result of aging in oak versus stainless steel. The finish however seemed exceptionally clean to me and I couldn’t help think my perception was influenced by the aluminum bottle. I poured the wine and served it to an associate for a second opinion without showing them the container. Their comments were consistent with my own regarding flavours but described the finish as simply crisp. Not unnaturally metallic.
I found this wine grouped with cans and other alternatively packaged products. That’s a problem. I think more people would respond to these alternative options if they were positioned alongside their category competitors.
What appeals to you most about this package—convenience, size, environmental impact, or confidence in the brand? Let me know in the comments below.
