Spier Blind Astronomer crowned the most beautifully designed wine range in the world
The Spier Blind Astronomer range has beaten contenders from around the world to win Best Design for a Wine Range at Drinks International magazine’s annual Wine Design Awards. The Blind Astronomer wines form part of the Spier Collaborative Series which honours special arts-related projects and associations.
Consisting of two wines, a Pinotage 2008 and Chenin Blanc 2009, the Blind Astronomer range pays tribute to Berco Wilsenach’s four year-long project of the same name. Wilsenach was a participant of the Spier Arts Patronage Programme, which supports extraordinary artists over an extended period of time.
Inspired by the similarities between braille and star charts, the artist created a series of glass panels shimmering in mid-air, lit from within and sandblasted with precisely plotted sectors of the visible night sky.
Designed by Simon Frouws, the two Blind Astronomer bottles both feature a star chart-inspired graphic engraved on the front, creating a tactile experience that echoes Wilsenach’s sculptural glass pieces.
ABOUT THE WINES
The Blind Astronomer Chenin Blanc 2009
Only two 300ℓ barrels of this special vintage were created, using the best grapes handpicked from a single vineyard block that is more than 40 years old. The grapes’ thick skins intensify the flavour and ensure that the wine ages well. They were fermented in French oak barrels and matured on the lees for one year.
The wooded Chenin Blanc is rich and creamy, with a stewed fruit aroma. A crisp lasting finish balances apricot and citrus boldness.
The Blind Astronomer Pinotage 2008
Setting a new benchmark for Pinotage, this limited release wine is produced from 11-year-old vines planted unusually close to the ocean. It was matured in French and Hungarian oak barrels for 20 months.
There are aromas of berries and mature oak spices. The palate is creamy and full-bodied with easygoing tannins; layers of flavour include red fruit and ripe black cherries alongside savoury traces of mushrooms and charcuterie.