Winemakers On Fire, Issue #97

Welcome to this week's edition of Winemakers On Fire! 

In the world of wine, where every label tells a story, Jordan Jelev (the Labelmaker) has just redefined storytelling for Erzetic Winery. Nestled in Slovenia's breathtaking Višnjevik region, this design maestro has transformed the Amfora wine series packaging into a masterpiece that bridges centuries of winemaking tradition with cutting-edge design.

Imagine a label that captures the essence of Julian Alps and Adriatic breezes, rendered in copper foil and embossed with the silhouette of Veliki Vrh mountain—a visual poetry that speaks to terroir, craftsmanship, and innovation. This week, we dive deep into a design that doesn't just wrap a bottle but unfolds an entire narrative of Slovenian wine culture.

Let’s dive in!

Wine Packaging Redefined: Erzetic Amfora's Label Tells a Rich Story of Terroir and Craftsmanship.

Erzetic Amfora: Where Tradition Meets Modern Design

When renowned wine label designer Jordan Jelev (the Labelmaker) was tasked with refreshing the packaging for Erzetic's premium Amfora wines, he faced an intriguing challenge: how to capture thousands of years of winemaking tradition in a contemporary design that would resonate with modern wine enthusiasts. His solution? A masterclass in minimal elegance that speaks volumes through its thoughtful details and precise execution.

This thoughtful redesign perfectly captures the essence of Erzetic’s craft, where wines are aged in traditional clay amphorae buried in the earth while embracing a modern aesthetic appeal.

A Tale of Two Worlds

Nestled in Slovenia's Primorska wine region, where the Julian Alps meet the Adriatic Sea, Erzetic's story is deeply rooted in a viticultural heritage spanning thousands of years. The winery's location in Višnjevik is no accident—this hamlet housed the region's oldest mansion and witnessed the first documented mention of Rebula grapes in 1336, a variety that continues to shine in Erzetic's portfolio.

The Art of the Bottle

The new packaging design centres around a custom amphora-inspired bottle that pays homage to the ancient clay vessels used in wine ageing. This elegant vessel serves as more than mere containment—it's a tactile representation of the winery's philosophy. Subtle vertical embossing of "ERZETIC" and "Vishnjevik" along the bottle's length adds a whispered reminder of its origins.

Label Design: A Study in Elegance

The label itself is a masterpiece of restraint and sophistication. Wrapped precisely around the bottle's most slender point, it features a black paper base with a refined texture that catches light in intriguing ways. The centrepiece of the design is an artistic interpretation of Veliki Vrh Mountain, rendered in matte copper foil and enhanced with precise embossing that creates a mesmerising interplay of texture and light.

Details That Delight

The mountain motif cleverly transforms into a stylised tree, symbolising the deep connection between earth and vine. Below, the word "Amfora" stands proud in a contemporary yet timeless typeface, enhanced with transparent embossing varnish that adds both visual depth and tactile interest. The varietal name, positioned at the base of the label, completes the information hierarchy while maintaining the design's elegant simplicity.

Craftsmanship in Every Detail

The technical execution of this design, masterfully handled by Dagaprint, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail. From the precise application of copper foil to the intricate microembossing, every element has been carefully considered and flawlessly implemented. The result is a label that not only catches the eye but invites touch, creating a multi-sensory experience that mirrors the complexity of the wine itself.

A Legacy Renewed

This packaging refresh represents more than just a new look—it's a bridge between Erzetic's rich heritage and its forward-thinking approach to winemaking. The design succeeds in telling the story of a winery that honours traditional methods while embracing modern innovation, much like their approach to winemaking itself, where ancient amphorae stand alongside state-of-the-art steel tanks.

It's a fitting tribute to a wine that continues to garner international acclaim, including an impressive 90-point score from Decanter magazine's Andrew Jefford, who praised its "forest and library" scents and elegant, grippy finish.

In a world where wine packaging often veers toward either stuffy traditionalism or stark modernism, Erzetic has found the sweet spot—a design that honours the past while confidently stepping into the future. This thoughtful refresh ensures that each bottle of Amfora tells its story before the first pour, promising the exceptional experience that awaits within.

Here's what you missed last week...

Last week's Winemakers on Fire took us to the dramatic coastline of St. Sebastian Bay, where Gunter Schultz of Baleia Wines is redefining what's possible in South African wine.

A 15-time Vintner's Surf Classic champion, Schultz has found his sweet spot crafting wines from limestone-rich soils just 9 kilometres from the ocean. His journey weaves together global winemaking experience, deep family ties to the Cape wine industry, and an innovative approach to maritime terroir.

In a region where thick mists meet persistent winds, Schultz is proving that extreme conditions can birth extraordinary wines.

“Stress makes you make erratic decisions. Wines don't like erratic makers."

Get ready to be inspired.

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.