Penfolds releases first limited-edition Grange
Penfolds have announced the first ever design takeover of its flagship wine, the Grange. The collaboration project features Japanese fashion designer and creative director NIGO and draws direct inspiration from his first visit to Penfolds Magill Estate Winery in 2022.
1,500 Penfolds Grange by NIGO limited-releases have been produced in 750mL bottles along with 150 magnums. The collaboration involves a reimagination of the Grange’s packaging, with each bottle being presented in an individually numbered gift box along with a bandana, bottle neck tag and authenticity certificate.
“This is a different direction for us, and the first time we have changed the distinctive gift box of our flagship Grange,” said Kristy Keyte, Penfolds’ Chief Marketing Officer.
“Collaborating with NIGO has been inspired by Penfolds history of pushing boundaries in winemaking, and now we expand this to exploration of new creative ideas.”
The limited-edition Grange marks NIGO’s second collaboration with Penfolds following on from the successful global release of One by Penfolds, where apparel items designed by the artist sold out in less than 1.5 hours.
“As a collector, NIGO understands the reputation of Grange and its legacy.” said Keyte.
“He was able to create a limited-edition approach that is both playful and fresh while remaining respectful to the history of the wine. We have never done this before, and the result is brave and refreshing.”
For more information, visit the Penfolds website.
De Bortoli PINOT Pinot Noir
Designed for consumers seeking an easy drinking red wine, De Bortoli’s PINOT has been created to cater to the ever-growing category of customers who are prioritising slowing down and enjoying simpler moments.
The PINOT Pinot Noir is the third in the new De Bortoli range which also includes the Rosé Rosé and the Blue Gris, of which have earned accolades such as Rosé Masters at the the 2023 Global Rose Masters and a gold medal for the Pinot Grigio at the 2023 Melbourne Royal Wine Show.
Expect the De Bortoli PINOT to display heavily perfumed notes of pomegranate, damson plum and forest fruits. It is available nationwide at an RRP of $19.95.
A Glass of® new wine list series with sommelier Shanteh Wale
Since launching in 2021, A Glass of® has partnered with leading Australian sommeliers to deliver curated wine collections to customers in its distinctive 200ml pouch format.
Its latest collaboration with Shanteh Wale, head of the sommelier team at Sydney’s Quay restaurant, provides customers with the opportunity to trial five wines for just $47.
Included in the list is La Kooki Verdelho 2023, XO Wine Co Vino Bianco Cortese 2023, blü hen Dry Rosé 2023, Watkins Siblings Series Grenache 2022, and Scion Daylight Red 2023.
“Collaborating with A Glass of® has been an exciting opportunity to share my passion for Australian wines with a broader audience and celebrate some of Australia’s most exciting wine producers,” said Shanteh Wale.
“The pouch format allows you to savour the nuances of each wine in a convenient and approachable way, and very much speaks to those embracing a conscious lifestyle.”
The novel format is also significantly more eco-friendly than traditional wine packaging options. 73% less energy, 94% less water, and 82% less CO2 emissions is required in its production compared to glass.
“We started A Glass of® to make premium wine experiences more accessible by combining expert curation with a novel packaging approach,” said Paul Taylor, founder of A Glass of®.
“Each pouch provides just over a glass of wine (200ml), offering a generous pour compared to the standard restaurant serving of 100-150ml.”
Additional information can be found here.
Curly Lewis Lagerita
Inspired by the two most requested drinks at Bondi’s The Curly Lewis brewery and bar, the El Tequileno Lagerita is a 50% beer 50% margarita blend created in collaboration with El Tequileno Tequila.
The drink, which is exclusively available on tap at the venue, was launched on International Margarita day yesterday 22 February along with its inaugural weekly taco night, which will continue to run every Thursday from 4pm.
“We are constantly working on new beer releases at the tap room and love experimenting with brews that will make for refreshing beach-side drinking,” said Co-Founder Oliver dos Remedios.
“Mexican-style lagers are having a moment, and the Tommy’s Margarita has become a fan-favourite across bars across the country.
“Our El Tequileno Lagerita is the love child of the two and the ultimate beer for the lively Bondi crowd.”
The Lagerita arrives concurrently with significant changes to the venue, including a new Head Chef and updated menu. Curly Lewis also recently acquired a live music licence, and will be featuring local musicians every Thursday and Sunday.
The Macallan announces first Australian pop up to launch new The Harmony Collection
The Macallan have announced a pop-up activation in Sydney between Thursday 7 March and Sunday 10 March to celebrate the launch of its third iteration of The Harmony Collection.
The new collection includes two distinctive expressions made in collaboration with Scottish designers Stella and Mary McCartney. The whiskies, the Harmony Collection Amber Meadow and the Green Meadow, were inspired by the sisters’ childhood spent in the Scottish countryside.
To celebrate the release, the Sydney pop up activation will take guests on an immersive journey through topics as diverse as The Macallan’s Scottish heritage, how to complete cocktails using the ‘garnish garden,’ and, of course, a holistic exploration of the new Harmony III limited-edition releases.
More information is available here.
Seppeltsfield partners with Riedel for release of 1924 Para Vintage Tawny
For its latest release of 100 year old tawny, Seppeltsfield have collaborated with Riedel to provide the ideal glassware for the wine.
After significant deliberation, Riedel and Seppeltsfield settled on the Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy Glass as being best suited due to its capacity to temper the alcohol whilst still highlighting aromatics.
The 1924 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny is available in a 100ml format for $1750, or paired with two Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy glasses for $1860.
