There are few words in the world of wine that conjure up quite as many adjectives as terroir. These days most labels read like an atlas of descriptive language aimed at setting a scene and creating provenance, but what if you could do away with all that and simply show someone?
High against the Andes Mountains in Mendoza sits one of Argentina’s jewels: the Remolinos vineyard. Its vintage Bordeaux-style red blend, The Owl & The Dust Devil, is an elegant wine that shouts all the classic traits from the region.
But don’t take my word for it.
The brand has launched an app which uniquely combines augmented reality with an animation film, and comes to life when held up against the label.
The multi-sensory experience begins by either touching the screen to move the owl or blowing it to form the Dust Devil: this kick starts a whimsical, animated short film about the charming story of the roles of both the owl & the dust devil in protecting the vineyard.
The Owl & The Dust Devil app has been created by female wine expert Stephanie Morton-Small, who is Chief Commercial Officer at Finca Decero a single vineyard wine estate which produces award-winning wines on the menus of The Ritz-Carlton, Soho House, Chiltern Firehouse, various Jean-Georges restaurants amongst others.
Described as the “ultimate dinner party wine” by Morton-Small, this is a “real conversation starter that will enliven the senses of your guests”.
Stephanie was inspired by the inquisitive owls and the dramatic whirlwind formations in Remolinos Vineyard at Finca Decero wine estate in Argentina.
Drawing on these two natural wonders she named, wrote, designed and did the voiceover to create the full story of The Owl & The Dust Devil working alongside a digital team to create her short animation film.
In October 2017, Stephanie launched what is believed to be the first wine app to combine augmented reality, virtual reality with animation film.
Morton-Small commented: “My inspiration for ‘The Owl & The Dust Devil’ wine and telling this story came from the natural battle between the owls (protecting our vines) and the whirlwind formations (swirling airflow creating spirals of dust devils) in our unique Remolinos Vineyard at Finca Decero.
“I wanted to step away from traditional wine storytelling and combine technology to create a multi-sensory experience so everyone can visualise what is a truly magical moment in our vineyard at Finca Decero.
“We have more developments on the app to come this year, but for now it really is best explained with a bottle in your hand.”
The Owl & The Dust Devil is a new red blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tannat which is now available to purchase in the UK at www.AMAZON.co.uk, at £23 per bottle.
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