Sicily- delicate contrasts
A story by
Ulrike Meier
Collaboration with
Bataillard since 2004
The Bataillard company, the largest wine merchant in Switzerland, remains family-owned and can reflect on more than 400 years of experience. The Sicilian wine, “Tosone”, is this merchant’s flagship brand, and has a delicate label. Vollherbst’s customer manager, Ulrike Meier, and part of the Vollherbst inhouse team, has worked with Bataillard since its introduction to the company in 2004. Our customer manager, who loves to travel to the Lucerne region to call on customers, worked alongside in support. Why this partnership? The innovative abilities and passion that characterize, shape and define Bataillard reflect the values that shape Vollherbst. A commonality in ethos which fit our partnership and strong network identity.
Step 01
Brand & Personality
Sicily full of colour and contrasts
Batallaird boasts more than 30 wine partners worldwide and more than 50 wine brands. “Our passion revolves around wine - its quality, procurement and professional marketing,” remarks the company about itself. The grapes for the particularly successful house brand, the “Tosone” are sourced from Sicily. Sicily comprises the largest wine region in Italy, and is located just off the “toe” of Italy’s “boot”. It is a region full of contrasts. Lush and sparse, magnificent and run down, hot and chilly. Many vintners deliver their most valuable grapes for the “Tosone”. Top-class oenologists are employed to maximise the gains from the terroir, the climate and vines, all which contribute to these exceptional wines. Irene Fleischlin, senior product manager, sums up the vision and mission of the label as follows: “To combine the contrasts of the grapes with the contrasts of its Sicilian origin”.
Step 02
Challenge
The delicateness of the brands
The “Tosone Nero d Avola Sicilia DOC” is a luxurious, dark and full-bodied red wine, that is well balanced and well-structured. At first glance the label makes one wonder whether one is looking at a church window, and if so, is it the Duomo di Messina? Or is it actually a palace window? Which exquisite architectural drawings appear on the paper? Arches, ancient columns and capital cities. The architectural sketches, which are drawn to scale, are elevated by golden lines, an apparent work of art. The answer to the question as to which window is depicted, remains open. The wine, however, represents the entire island and this representation is reflected in the colours of the window, which represent the colours of the island. The blue stone in the middle distinctly looms with colours that mirror the sky and the Mediterranean. Yellow dots like saffron, lemon, and the sinking sun complete the window. Red dots glimmer on the edges, like ripe tomatoes. The intensely bright colours reflect the Sicilian lifestyle and is contrasted with the seriousness of the dark and precise labels.
Step 03
Solution
The solution: Experience and dexterity
The customer manager, explained that in order to emphasize the colours of the island, the tiny coloured spots in the windows were covered with exquisite spot varnish: “To produce a lovely shine and radiance.” However, this was not the feature which presented the print technicians with challenges - instead it was the very fine filigree with golden hot foil stamping that required an innovative solution. The rule of thumb according to the tool manufacturers was basically to never emboss on a surface less than 0,3mm. He explained: “With Tosone we only had a width of 0,1mm. Now how did we manage this? Golden foils have varying grades. We chose a soft texture which comes off easily without the need to apply much pressure. One must have the knowledge and try out things. It is not everyone who will necessarily take the time to experiment or conduct trials.” The client, Irene Fleischlin, expressed her satisfaction and stated: “Vollherbst always produces quality labels of a high degree. The Tosone label succeeded to express a very special depth through the rendering of a variety of colours and utilization of several moulds. The embossed golden lines fittingly added finesse and value to the label, without making it appear overdecorated.”
The Tosone brand, consisting of the “Tosone Syrah Terre Siciliane IGP” and the “Tosone Vino Bianco Terre Sicillia IGT” has an established reputation and brings great pleasure to both the Bataillard company as well as wine consumers. The flagship “Tosone Nero d‘Avola” was awarded a score of 99 points, four times in succession, by the renowned wine critic Luca Maroni - his highest rating according to his very personal scoring system.
Print information
- Paper: Laid Cream
- Finishing: Spot varnish, hot foil stamping
Step 04
Personal Touch
Service more important than Rocket Science
Thomas Albisser, leader of strategic procurement, production materials and services, has regular contact with the team at Vollherbst and is full of praise: “Our respective needs are understood, noted and accordingly referred for discussion. I do not necessarily deem the manufacturing of labels to be rocket science – instead it is the service provided by Vollherbst that I regard as more important. It is evident during project planning sessions that the employees work with motivation and passion. One senses the same during production visits and development interviews. Due to our longstanding cooperation, projects move along swiftly and both sides constantly endeavour to improve.” Ulrike Meier, internal services client manager at Vollherbst, has practically been in charge of Bataillard since 2004 - therefore since its introduction to the company. She confirmed: “The parties are always intent thereon to advance each other’s interests. Bataillard is a very pleasant and highly esteemed client.” Contrasts on the label, but harmonious in collaborations!
Request project
We are happy
to advise you
Looking for inspiration? Have matching paper samples for this project sent to you via the wishlist or use the request assistant for an individual project inquiry.
Ulrike
Meier
