This week saw the presentation of a very special creative project for Hochschule Geisenheim University: the design of the new labels for the university's own wines.
New and in Color: Making Sensory Evaluation Tangible
The seven stripes on the new labels represent rows of vines and are symbolic of the diversity of the different grape varieties – some of which particularly unusual in Germany – that are grown in the university's vineyards. The coloration of the stripes is a nod to sensory evaluation theory: depending on the profile of the specific wine, the color can range from reds and pinks for wines with berry notes, green tones for grassy and spicy aromas, to shades of blue for fresh and new notes. Cuvées are marked using different colors, and alcohol-free wines are indicated by half-color segments. Additionally, the further to the right the colored stripe appears, the more intense the sensory profile of the wine; the further to the left, the lighter the wine.
The innovative labels were conceived and designed by Rheingau-based artist Michael Apitz. The design was inspired by scientific principles and was jointly developed by staff from various departments at Hochschule Geisenheim University under the leadership of the Department of Enology. The labels are being introduced as an additional product line of the university winery and will complement the established ‘Villa Monrepos' range of VDP wines in its portfolio.
Special attention was also given to sustainability aspects such as lightweight glass bottles, ultra-short eco-friendly corks, and the omission of capsules on the bottle neck.
Positive Feedback for the New Labels
The labels were intentionally introduced just before the public presentation of the new vintages, which took place this past Friday and Saturday. The new design for the labels was met with great enthusiasm by all guests.
"With these new labels, we are contributing to making the product and cultural asset that is wine – with all its fascinating facets – more self-explanatory and accessible. This approach is very much in tune with the times and supports both effective wine marketing and outreach to new target audiences. I am therefore all the more pleased by the many positive responses and would like to sincerely thank Michael Apitz and all the colleagues involved in the project for the excellent collaboration," said Professor Monika Christmann, Head of the Department of Enology at Hochschule Geisenheim University.
"I’m very proud of the new labels and thrilled that the university had the courage to implement this rather distinctive design. For me, it’s the realization of a dream," added Michael Apitz.
