Fosters have been making a lot of noise this week about their big market breakthrough as an 'Australian first' with wine in PET bottles - WRONG!
Way back in January, Sirromet released First Step, wine in a 750ml PET plastic bottle.
This is a David versus Goliath story but Sirromet definitely beat Wolf Blass with the release!
It's hard to tell the difference between the PET bottles and glass bottles. In fact deliberately dropping a bottle is a great party trick - especially when it bounces!
Sirromet’s Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman told me the wine had been well received by consumers with strong uptake from sporting groups and the boating fraternity.
“Every element of this wine’s packaging has been carefully considered for its environmental footprint - hence the name ‘First Step’ and the footprint motif on the label.”
The First Step range plastic bottle has a screw top and looks exactly the same as a glass bottle. It holds the same amount of liquid and doesn't compromise the quality of the wine in any way.
If you don't like the sound of wine i
n plastic, remember a few things.- This is wine to drink now, not cellar for years
- We once thought a screw top cap on a wine bottle was radical
- Better for the environment - less energy in production and, being lighter than glass, also uses less energy in transportation. Recycling is also more energy efficient. The labels are 100 per cent recycled paper and the cartons are also made from 100 per cent recycled material.
- Plastic packaging means no glass breakages - ideal for boats, airlines, concerts, camping and a wide variety of outdoor locations. Plus, empty bottles can be easily crushed to minimise waste storage.
- And, perhaps best of all, chills faster than a glass bottle!
Adam says the use of PET bottles is widespread in Europe and the UK, in fact some retailers regard it as a mandatory because their consumers are very educated about the issues of environmental responsibility.
Want to try it? Sirromet have an online bottleshop It's $12 a bottle for the 2005 Cabernet Merlot and a 2008 Unwooded Chardonnay. The wine will be delivered in a few days.
Don't forget to trick your friends by throwing them the bottle when you arrive!