Structure: a way to describe a wine’s components in the mouth considering fruit concentration, level of sweetness, acidity, tannin, and alcohol.
Tannat is all about structure. He was born with it, ample everything. He likely plans his meals and has a solid retirement plan by his late 20s. When in balance, Tannat is strikingly bold and handsome.
This is where my head was when developing a brand for a random barrel of Tannat that winemaker extraordinaire Josh Klapper offered up. And then my dear Kate Kelly spearheaded an open call for the label art in collaboration with Artrepreneur.
We received 100+ applicants. Thank you so much to all who applied!!! I had the privilege of connecting with so many talented creators, of taking the art in dozens of directions–so truly, thank you. Making a list of the Top Ten was nearly impossible, but when Kate and I met up to make the final decision, it became quite clear: Alan Lacke.
Alan has a way of breaking down structure through such a gratifying interpretation. I love his use of color, repetition, and geometry.
I knew from my first call with Alan was the perfect pick. I explained the concept of structure, a brief history of Tannat (originally from France, but this one is more like a Uruguayan), and my target audience (orthodox Jews who are open-minded and looking for something different). Alan understood the brief and took control–such a pleasant collaborative experience! Less than two weeks later, he handed in the final design.
I am in love with the outcome:
Tannat mockup by Alan Lacke.
In Alan’s words:
This work is the result and the combination of different plastic techniques used in my creative and execution routine. Taking into account that the line is a point in movement, this concept is directly related to the concept of “Structure”: Disposition or the way in which the different parts of a whole are related. I try to look for similarities between the Uruguayan flag and the Californian landscape, especially those marvelous views that its beaches offer us. I incorporate an effect of depth by relating the concept of structure with circles that vary in size and colour within the same line in order to achieve the desired perspective.
My art seeks to relate with its images and designs what we have beyond our simple sight (micro-world and macro-world), but above all it invites the viewer to a combination of sensations and emotions through its forms, gestures and colours. My purpose is to suppress barriers, differences and limits by creating a Universal language that leads us to a silent contemplation that transmits an almost mystical and globalized sensation of seeing the world.
Moishe Mayer released this wine in June 2024, so I’m excited to see how it flies now that we’re getting into cooler weather worthy of the richer dishes that this Tannat requires. Early response has been very positive! One competing artist mentioned that the art looked like a sperm impregnating an egg, and I get that, but I prefer Alan’s interpretation. Art, just like wine, is subjective.
A representation of structure, a representation of life.
L’chaim!
A custom-made wraparound label on for a Bordeaux-style bottle.
