The label made me do it.

You don't have to drink to appreciate the art of the wine label. I found some beautiful, fun designs and some interesting history which will make my next glass even more enjoyable!

The last several days in America have been gut wrenching. I’m scared, sick, and angry. So let’s talk about wine.

“In wine, there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria. — Benjamin Franklin

It was time for a road trip to Delaware to make a booze run. (Why Delaware you ask? No tax on your purchases and no state store like in Pennsylvania.) My friend Ed wanted me to grab his favorite gin that was on sale at Swig.

Isn’t that the best name for a liquor store? Swig is a small, bougie beverage store that offers a highly curated selection of wines and spirits. They cater to people who are serious consumers, not the box wine or Budweiser crowd. It has a feeling of distinction and the staff is wildly knowledgeable. Just listening to the guy explain aperitifs to a customer was enough to make sure I go back.

I walked in and told the most cordial and enthusiastic man behind the counter, “I called earlier about St. George Terroir Gin”. Oh, yes! He pops out from behind the counter and takes me to a small section where St. George was surrounded by other interesting spirits. I took two bottles to the counter and proceeded to explore the wine.

SO. MUCH. WINE.

I don’t know much about wine, except I know I’ve grown beyond Earnest & Julio. My brother-in-law is a sommelier and he has taught me a little bit. I gravitate towards prices I can afford, then the type (I go for Cabs, Pinots, and Sauvignon Blanc) and finally, intriguing labels.

I loved this one!

Dr. G Riesling Dry from the Mosel region of Germany. “A light fresh glass of apple blossoms and pebbles with a thirst-quenching finish”

How about that description? “A light, fresh glass of apple blossoms and pebbles…” Oooohhhh... pour me one right now. You had me at pebbles. 😆

Fermented grape juice has been around since 6000 B.C. In the tombs of the pharaohs, they found containers of the stuff etched with details describing the year, type, and quality of the wine. How else would they know which one King Tut would like, right? Evidently being a wine snob started early.

Time passed, labels evolved. This is from the 1890’s.

Meanwhile, back at Swig, I found these:

In order: Nicolas Reau Anjou Rouge Pompois, wonderfully articulate Cabernet Franc, earthy and serious; Long Little Dog, a smooth French Blend with notes of strawberry and blueberry; Patapon, Pineau d'Aunis, a uniquely aromatic French red wine from the Loire Valley, from 60 year old vines.

And then this. The label really grabbed my attention… and the description.

From Stolpmans Vineyard in California, 100% Sangiovese grapes. “porch-pounding easy drinking… a vibrant, ruby color. It had a red nose of berries, stone, and plum. It was dry, medium bodied. The mouth was juicy with raspberries, cherries, and strawberries.

Who writes that copy, anyway? “Porch-pounding easy drinking”? Hell yeah! I want that job. Sitting in front of my laptop, sipping different wines, and talking about mouth feel, rustic aromas, and grippy tannins. Sign me up! 🍷

Anyway, back to the labels. Check these out.

In order: 2022 Marcel Lapierre Vin de France Raisins Gaulois, juicy red—loaded with bright, playful fruit—is low in alcohol and delightfully refreshing; Folk Machine Center Of Gravity Pinot Noir Natural Organic Potter Valley California Cloudy, medium, red. Nose: Ripe red fruit. Raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry, red plum and black cherry. Hint of green herbs; Floorshow, a red blend, bold and full-bodied. Dark berries, oak, vanilla, and spice intermingle seamlessly on the palate.

I can see it now. I ask the store manager for “that bottle with the octopus under an umbrella.” 😂

Artistic labels are now on more than wine. Like the bourbon from Still Austin in Austin, Texas. Love that snake! Then, the classy label for bitters, the “seasoning” for a cocktail. And what’s with the jaunty dude on Greenhouse Vodka?

Obviously the really important thing is what’s inside the bottle... the science of wine making is intense. But I love what these winemakers are doing with their branding. There were so many great designs I couldn’t show them all here. But the next time you’re in the liquor department, pay attention to the artwork. It’s meant to get your attention so you’ll put it in your cart.

Which is exactly what I did.

“Wine is bottled poetry” — Robert Louis Stevenson