The movie “Sideways” is one of the most well-known wine themed movies ever made. In part because one derogatory remark about Merlot killed sales of that varietal for years.
Sideways is also the orientation of the artwork on the label of Villain & Vixen Shiraz. Not that you can identify the wine from the label but more on that below. No, from its facing, all you notice is the black illustration of a face on a solid metallic gold background. It demands to be plucked from the shelf and turned 90° for proper observance. Or perhaps -90°. This confounding illustration presents as either Villain or Vixen depending on how you look at it.
Barely noticeable are the words Villain and Vixen oriented vertically (of course) on opposite sides of the label in the upper corners. You can’t even see them when looking directly at the label. If you’re sharp, you might notice the words on the capsule.
What is this wine? Where is it from? Who makes it? You’ll only discover that information on the back label. It also says, “Old school winemaking has it that big is best, not so we say, as villains against convention we favour vixen like elegance with soft silky tannins, bright fruit, great balance and complex flavours.” Agree and disagree. The description is spot on. This is a nice Barossa Valley Shiraz for the modest price. But a wine with 14.8% ABV is a pretty “big” wine.
What is this wine? Where is it from? Who makes it? Does it really matter in this case? This winemaker had the confidence in this concept and design to bury all of that information. Aussie bluster for the win!
