The Mentors range of flagship wines by KWV has a striking new look. Reflecting the premium qualities of the brand with fresh and luxurious appeal, the new packaging is heralded in the roll-out by a proud newcomer to the range too.
The Mentors Nebbiolo is a limited edition release that has been five years in development, and hails from South Africa’s exceptional 2017 vintage. It is just the fourth unveiling of its kind since the establishment of The Mentors range in 2006. As with its predecessors – The Mentors Carménère 2017, Petite Sirah Paarl 2018 and Malbec 2019 – only 1 300 numbered bottles of the Nebbiolo have been made.
“This is the first time the Nebbiolo variety has been incorporated as a single variety in the range,” says KWV senior winemaker Izele van Blerk. “While The Mentors portfolio is reserved for the finest in class, the Limited Editions go even further by representing outstanding excellence of small batches of premium fruit, from a particular terroir and vintage.
“The Mentors Nebbiolo 2017 embodies this spirit, making it a fitting addition to The Mentors range and together with the new look, paves the way to an exciting time for the range.”
Independently affirming the quality of the wine, the KWV The Mentors Nebbiolo 2017 has just been awarded 90 points in a specialist tasting at Decanter of Nebbiolo wines from around the world.
The wine follows on the heels of a KWV launch just months ago, of The Mentors Perold 2019 in 1.5L magnum bottles. Only 200 were produced in commemoration of the visionary Professor Abraham Izak Perold and unveiled on his birthday, the 20th of October. Having joined KWV in 1928, Prof. Perold’s contribution as a botanist and wine scientist sowed the seeds for a trajectory of excellence at the company and indeed, the South African wine industry.
The new labelling for The Mentors reflects this legacy and was undertaken by the renowned BRAVO design company. “Working on The Mentors pack upgrade was an amazing opportunity to optimize the super-premium brand credentials of The Mentors,” says BRAVO owner Brendan Schwartz.
“By using state of the art printing techniques and materials we could really tell the story of terroir and origin in a visual and tactile manner by embossing the contour lines. Increasing the brand name to be more distinctive and in foil elevated the packs finish. We included the KWV logo into the main label to stamp the company’s 100 year heritage on the pack.”
The intricacy of the labels also reflects the level of attention given to the wine. “Digital offset was selected as the best technology for this limited volume, high-quality production,” says MCC Premium Label Solutions technical director for Africa, Zoyon le Sueur.
“The classic design cues are given prominence with the use of high-end embellishments while the title is rendered boldly in gold foil. The subtler background patterns and framing are presented in transparent foil for the main range, and in black foil for the limited edition. Imported three-dimensional emboss tooling further maximizes the impact of both foils, and speaks to the value of the package,” he says.
“On the limited edition, the use of Super High Build adds both visual lift and tactile appeal to the roundel, lending the appearance of a wax seal and communicating authenticity. The exclusive appeal is highlighted by the inclusion of unique sequential numbers to the label.”
The grapes for The Mentors Nebbiolo 2017 hail from Stellenbosch, from vineyards that have shown over time to produce top quality wine. After vinification and initial maturation, the finest barrels were selected at the end of the first year and the wine matured for an additional 24 months. Once bottled, it spent a further two years prior to release.
For KWV, The Mentors range has always been about crafting and presenting the most outstanding wines from meticulously selected fruit.
Izele’s Nebbiolo tasting notes reveal a full-bodied wine that exudes aromas of rose petals, red cherries and raspberries with hints of lavender. The palate is focused with an undertone of cloves, dried fruit and leather. The grippy tannin structure and zippy acidity is well integrated and delivers an intense, lasting finish. It may be enjoyed now but will continue to develop for up to a decade when stored in optimal conditions.
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Issued by Roux Reklame.
Feature image supplied by Roux Reklame.
