Another template
My judgement about labels. A trip through labels on wine bottles and over. According to my personal taste
giovedì 3 febbraio 2022
martedì 1 febbraio 2022
WINE LABEL CATEGORIES - CLASSIC
In my previous thread I posted my personal classification for labels. Now I would like to enter the details and give some examples to understand for every pattern a label as ideal example.
WINE LABEL CATEGORIES
I think that besides the ranking or scoring of a single label, it is also necessary to have a sort of list or categories where to inster and classify every single label I am going to examine and judge. I do not think this division to be definitive and - probably - I will have to increase or modify it, nontheless this is a (second) attempt to proceed with this categorization.
I admit, I was inspired by an article about wine labels in China (https://www.wineintelligence.com/downloads/wine-label-design-in-china-2018/) where there was this first and very interesting classification of labels:
From this first idea I proceeded with my personal classification of labels, starting from a simpler macro-categories (3) to follow up with 10 sub-categories, and further (for Classical) 8 sub-sub categories.
lunedì 31 gennaio 2022
LABEL 18 - BODEGA GARZON TANNAT "RESERVA" vs "SINGLE VINEYARD"
I checked the other labels of this Uruguaian producer. They are all very pretty and nice. Here I would like to post my duel between the "RESERVA" and the "SINGLE VINEYARD". The lattest has on the label a name in English. I am wishing to read names just in Spanish. I hope in the next vintage they will switch this name to one taken from the fantastic and musical language of Cervantes and Garcia Lorca.
In green the good. In red the no-goods according to my personal opinion. As you can see these two labels are both very good and both share the same naked capsule. I do wish in next vintage to see this also improved. Both have style
I rank here the SINGLE VINEYARD
General comment: what a pity the name in English. Less important than the RESERVA, but it has sense.
Vote: 71/100
Orignality: less then RESERVA.
Vote: 66/100
Script: I prefer the script "Tannat" in the RESERVA version.
Vote 72/100
OVERALL VOTE: 69,66 (/100) - QUITE NICE
LABEL 18 - BODEGA GARZON "RESERVA TANNAT"
WINE DETAILS:
LABEL 17 - PICCINI COLLEZIONE ORO vs PICCINI CLASSICO
We are back to this label because the producer PICCINI uses (and for me it's very good) the same patter of label for its production. Here I compared the two labels "Collezione Oro" and "Chianti Classico" that I found as well very traditional and at the same time beautiful.
I put in evidence in green where one verion prevails on the other and in red the contrary.
As you can see, the CHIANTI CLASSICO has a lot of "OK"; I indeed liked it very much: classical, clean, with a sentence of the Producer and his signature in red (the only thing in red); some decors. Also the logo (smaller) matches better, Alltogether, I think I prefer this version. Just the proportion of the bottles are far better that of Collezione Oro.
PICCINI CHIANTI CLASSICO
General comment: Vote: 80/100
Originality: less than the other, but still good.
Vote: 70/100
Script: All capital letters. I like it.
Vote 82/100
OVERALLVOTE: 77,33 (/100) - BEAUTIFUL
LABEL 17 - PICCINI COLLEZIONE ORO
WINE DETAILS:
venerdì 28 gennaio 2022
LABEL 15 - DONNAFUGATA DOLCE&GABBANA "TANCREDI": VARIAZIONI 2
And finally, using the sun of the Beatus Tarnoviensis I changed the DONNAFUGATA by DOLCE&GABBANA's label, in this way:
Which are the changes?
This is just to have idea how to modify (I don't know if in better way a very beautiful label)
LABEL 16 TENUTA FRIGGIALI
WINE DETAILS:
General comment: very beautiful label in perfect classy Tuscanian style. A very beautiful contrast between the matt black and a shining and embossed golden decor with 5 flowers (possibly the Iris Pallida, typical of this zone) to form a superior arch. It is simply and refinate but also elaborate in dashing. Surely one of the best. Maybe just a frame around the label to contrast with the black of the bottle would have underlined even more. Just a little detail and maybe there is the will to make all in black. For this I reduce by 1 point from 100/100 to 99/100. Detail of the central decor:
I also made then a comparation between original and my version.
So here we are with the final ranking:
Vote 99/100
Originality: no question: very impressive and it easy to remeber. Just the name "Friggiali" difficult to remember (2 points less for that reason)
Vote 98/100
Script: beautiful even though not recherchés. I like the style.
Vote: 89/100
OVERALL VOTE: 95,33 (/100) - EXCEPTIONAL PLUS
LABEL 15 - DONNAFUGATA DOLCE&GABBANA "TANCREDI": VARIAZIONI
I think the top label of DONNAFUGATA deserves a better analysis. In fact the central sun of the label comes from a Sicilian tradition and it is also possible to be seen in the Manuscript "Beatus Tarnoviensis" in some "variations on the theme"
As you can see, the sun (or also moon) has this way to be represented in Sicily. The Jacli company is a very pretty Sicilian company producing liquors/spirit from typical Sicilian fruits (oranges etc.), while the Beatus Tarnoviensis, belonging to the Counts Tarnowski (Poland) was inspired in this painting by the Sicilian artists that decorated the Royal Palace in Palermo. Here the page from where the sun and the moon has been taken:
At the end, the tradition of this label is very evident also in the Terracotta of Caltagirone and hence it is possible to appreciate the study for this label.
More details:
giovedì 27 gennaio 2022
LABEL 15 - DONNAFUGATA DOLCE & GABBANA "TANCREDI"
WINE DETAILS:
LABEL 14 FELSINA "BERARDENGA"
DATA SHEET
General comment: I was attracted by an istagramm thread about the history of this label. They posted a 1966 label, telling about the history of this label. And I always appreciate who gives prominence (also) to labels. They said it was Guido Veronelli in 1966 to suggest them to gives preminence to the name "Berardenga". The label was realized by Architetto and graphic Silvio Coppola. The cursive B was a indentity mark still used today. Very beautiful history I would add and gives idea how some producers already in the past where so attentive to this "detail". A good and historical example of the Tuscanian School.
Here we have how the labels looked like in the 60's.
I would like to make a fast compare between past and present, because - sorry - I do prefer the original label of the past..
The 1966 and original version has something more. For me at least. Good they kept the B in this way for 60 years.
Vote: 77/100
Originality: we have to think about the originality in the 60's because now they are going on with the tradition. So for the epoch and for now too very dashing. For the 1966 version add 5 points.
Vote: 87/100
Script: Let be sincere: the 1966 version with its big cursive letters and the fantastic B deserved a 100/100. The current version loses a little, but still big value.
Vote: 88/100
OVERALL VOTE: 84 (/100) - REMARKABLE (version 2011)
OVERALL VOTE 89,6 (/100) - VERY REMARKABLE (version 1966)
LABEL 13 - GENERAZIONE ALESSANDRO "CROCEFERRO"
DATA SHEET
mercoledì 26 gennaio 2022
LABELS 12 - BARBARESCO & BAROLO (& OTHERS) LEBON
DATA SHEET
General Comment: Finally a (young) new firm that focus its production (so it is said on their site) not just on the inside (wine) but also on the casing, i.e. the label. So we are totally simpathetic on this matter. And it is evident the effort in originality of this firm. Surely the shape of the label (silkscrened!) is quite particular, with a lion staring at the consumer, like to challenge him to try and buy it. The colour is cork-stylish on purpose. A little crown as logo, probably becaue of the lion. Just the name of the wine, while the data's are all on the back label, even the name of the producer (what a courage in a world of wine where people put the name of the producer bigger that the kind of wine, even against the law prescriptions). I like the little frame around the name Barbaresco. The stylized lion reminds me somehow a tatoo, and maybe for wines like Barbaresco (and Barolo has identical label, fact that personally I do appreciate, considering my origin) is too much. So my judgment is suspended between courage and approval and risky new style. Surely a label of value. The colours match, even though imagine with gold background. This label loses points after all for the following: 1) a lion does not represent anything in Langa; 2) the lion itself reminds me too much of a tatoo, so young but somehow not matching with superwines; more disco. Identical for Barolo label where it changes just the name of the wine.
DATA SHEET
LABEL 11 - COLLI TOSCANA CENTRALE "FLACCINELLO DELLA PIEVE"
DATA SHEET
Script: I like the font for the name of the wine, perfectly matching with the style of the cross. No other negative marks about the fonts.
OVERALL VOTE: 94,33 (/100) - EXCEPTIONAL
martedì 25 gennaio 2022
LABEL 10 - BRUNO GIACOSA BARBARESCO "RABAJA' "
DATA SHEET
OVERALL VOTE: 63,66 (/100) - ACCEPTABLE
LABEL 9 - DUEMANI "ALTROVINO"
DATA SHEET:
LABEL 8 - ANAPERENNA - GLAETZER WINES
LABEL 7 - LE THADEE "GIULIO II"
DATA SHEET
General Comment: We are going to Central Italy, in the Region called Umbria. The wine is a red Montefalco D.o.c.. The label is really intersting. A very good choice of red and white, with a stylized logo in the very center in a T-shape sign; this T-shape logo represents also a wineyard (besides the T of Thadee) and it gives the idea of a deeply conceived label. Arount the T-shape there are the 4 cardinal points (in Italian) with a red X that in reality has also a cross, in vertical borken, while in horizontal represented by the vintage (again split in two); substantially, around the T-shape there is a windrose.
Coat of Arms of Pope Giulio II
LABEL 6 - CHATEAU CROIX DE LABRIE "SAINT- EMILION GRAND CRU"
DATA SHEET
General Comment: I think every Nation has its own style. While being Italian and so in competition with our "cousins" behind the Alps, I have to admit the French do have style in labels. (as usual I don't comment the wine itself). I really like this label: clean, impressive with a splendid Red Cross of the Templars Order into relief and in a very beatiful shining glaze. The shape of the label is correct and very interesting and "dresses" very well and with elegance gue bottle. All the details written in a correct way.
Some vintages have the number of the bottles produded that year (I like it). I do like the script "mis en bouteille au chateau" (i.e. "put in the bottle at the castle"). Also the name of the Grand Cru into relief is really nice. I would say in general a top label. The continous changing of labels in the years means a continous research, but maybe still in progress.
Vote: 96/100
Originality: I think the Templar Red Cross, put into relief and shining is a must. This deserves a top vote. Something more in the body of the label would have brought to a 100/100.
Vote 88/100
Script: Very beautiful the cursive of the name of the Castle and also the font for "Chateau". Less the rest. I do like in any way the red script into relief.
Vote 74/100
OVERALL VOTE: 86 (/100) - VERY REMARKABLE
lunedì 24 gennaio 2022
LABEL 5 - BAROLO MONPRIVATO
This is a masterpiece (for me) of label. The wine supports the beauty. This deserves to be examinated in detail:
Vote: 95/100
Originality: this label is remarkable for the size of the coat of arms. The name MASCARELLO is much bigger of the wine (theoretically it shouldn't) and gives the idea that the producer is much more important that the wine. The details of production makes this wine remarkable even in its semplicity.
Vote 88/100
Script: maybe the less impressive of the label. Nothing bad but also nothing particular.
Vote 69/100
OVERALL VOTE 84 (/100) - REMARKABLE
LABEL 4 - GUIDO PORRO
Beautiful label from Barolo zone (Piedmont).
General Comment: This label represents a perfect balance between style, tradition and beauty. I always like the combination of black and white and this label is a good example why. It is correct, having the script BAROLO bigger than all the rest. A sign of modesty from the producer to be appreciated. I very like the script VIGNA RIONDA in old Gothic font, in dark red. I find the drawing of the village of Serralunga d'Alba very lovely, and with a good V shape. Also the topo name, in black background gives a good idea of balance. Maybe I would search to increase a little the font of this script, but this is not a problem at all.
Vote: 84/100
Originality: The label is quite original, even though the idea of a drawing of the zone of production is widely used. But this cannot be a defect. The scripts in Gothic marks the note. The choice of black and white - always correct - is not very original.
Vote: 67/100
Script: As said, I really liked the Gothic script. Less the top. But the vote remain good.
Vote: 90/100
OVERALL VOTE: 80,33 - REMARKABLE
giovedì 20 gennaio 2022
LABEL 3 - VILLSCHEIDER
General Comment: The name of the producer is quite hard to remember (Villscheider) but this is not a fault. The label seems quite good and shows quite a study behind. The choice of colours is really good. Gold is one of my favourite like black. Together they are always top. Very beautiful the castle trimmed insied a flag (?) or sunset. Dimensions are correct. Maybe, the bottom script would have been better in gold. In any way a fine and rafinate label. The scripts are poor but enough. I think a good balance between info and style.
Vote: 86
Originality: this label can be remembered in a shelf
Vote: 73
LABEL 2 - "PIETRA CALDA"
General Comment: The name in Italian sound plain. Personally I don't like when a label is so short of info about the wine. Neither for me, as common consumer, Pietra Calda means anything particular. The bottle is done for this wine being not in normal stock and this means a huge investment is the esthetical vision. The result leaves me quite perplexed. I find the label too little and too simple. The red square on the top has no appeal (maybe symbolizes the "red stone" ... who knows). My judgement is negative. (some points given for the effort done and money spent)
Vote 33/100
Originality: this label does not hit the attention. Quite the contrary, I would say. Some originality though there is
Vote: 47/100
Script: Very difficult to judge. Nothing special, very short. The colour is fine
Vote: 45/100
OVERALL VOTE: 41,66 (/100) - UGLY
LABEL 1 - TENUTA CARLEONE "IL GUERCIO"
DATA SHEET
General Comment: The first label I would like to judge is this of Tenuta di Carleone, a wine (Sangiovese, Tuscany) called "Il Guercio" that means "The One-eyed".The name in Italian sound quite good. It is short. Easy to remember. The colours are quite simple (black and white) denoting a not expensive label. In its semplicity the label has style. The coat of arms on the top gives a litthe drop of aristocracy without exagerations. The coat of arms is beautiful and I like it has been converted into black and white.
The dimensions of the label are very big (I think on purpose) to mark again the contrast between black and white. This is confirmed by the top in white with white sealing wax. Touché!
Vote: 78/100
Originality: this label, though lovely would not hit your memory. On the shelf you would just pass. I like the style but it hits with the originality. what a pity!
Vote: 53/100
Script: I do like both fonts used: for "Tenuta di Carleone" in a running cursive in contrast with a book antiqua font for the name "IL GUERCIO" all in capital letters. Good job, good effect.
Vote: 85/100
OVERALL VOTE: 70,33 (/100) - NICE