The André Balazs Sunset Beach Rosé Cork- 05.23.09
I’ve written about quite a bit of packaging design, and alcohol packaging in particular often has some beautiful designs, but i think this is a first where the detail that grabbed me most was the cork! Once we popped this cork, i couldn’t help but spin it around and around, and as we drank the bottle the question really became, who’s chasing whom?
This is the cork of the André Balazs Sunset Beach Rosé ~ which is a collaboration with his long time friend and local Long Island winemaker, Christian Wölffer. Apparently vines planted at his Sunset Beach hotel will also contribute to future réserves. The label is also a fresh, beautiful water color representing that French Riviera/Miami lifestyle ~ lounging on towels with toes dipped in the water, raising glasses of Rosé as the bartender wades into the sunset behind with tray over his head? Cute label ~ rumor has it the girls on it are his daughters? Anyhow, take a peek at more pics on the next page…
Here’s the bottle that surprised me at the Standard New York
A closer look at the label… kind of fun and fresh the way the thin yellow strips contrast with the color of the rosé
And a peek at the homepage of the André Balazs Reserves ~ strangely all the other pages seem broken… and the shape of this bottle is even prettier than the one i tried!
A google cache of their now broken about page told me:
Inspired by the long sun-kissed summer days of the French Riviera, world-renowned hotelier André Balazs has produced a Sunset Beach Rosé in collaboration with long time friend and local Long Island winemaker, Christian Wölffer.
After years of spirited soccer matches between Balazs’ Sunset Beach Hotel and Wölffer Estates, the friends have teamed up to produce the perfect cure for the friendly bruising of bodies and egos. Balazs, a legendary and outspoken aficionado of rosé from summers spent in St. Tropez, brings a new rosé with a new state-of-mind to the shores of Shelter Island.
During his youth, Balazs and his father would often visit the Provencal vineyards, especially the one known for producing Domaine Ott. Now, credited by many for popularizing the beverage on these native shores, Balazs has produced a lighter, more refreshing blend - better suited for prodigious enjoyment!
Sunset Beach rosé consists of a carefully selected blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.
Plenty of sun and moderate rain made 2007 a perfect growing season. The ideally ripened grapes produced a wonderful structure, balancing lively acidity and pure fruit characters. Vines planted at Sunset Beach Hotel last year, will contribute to future Réserves.
Created from hand harvested grapes grown in specific vineyards in Wölffer Estates, just across the bay from Sunset Beach, the rosé is filled with elegant hints of peach, pear and gooseberry. The mouthfeel is vibrant with fresh apple and melon notes, and offers a light finish with citrus and minerality that complements summer cuisine.
Wölffer Estates is one of few vineyards that harvests “Old World” style - completely by hand - never using a mechanical harvester or leaf remover. It is also an active participant in the Long Island Sustainable Viticulture Program.
Sunset Beach Rosé is available at select André Balazs hotels and restaurants this summer including: Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles; The Mercer, New York; The Raleigh, Miami Beach; The Standard, Miami Beach, and of course Sunset Beach, Shelter Island.
I am a Miami local and must say, this is one bottle that must be in-house for all of us uber chic Sobe dwellers for our light pink and purple sunsets (or sunrises.
:)
Loving it Andre!
----- michalamedia 26.06.09 07:43