Australian Shiraz wins 'world's best label'

The label of Alpha Crucis Shiraz 2008, produced by Chalk Hill Winery in McLaren Vale, was named best in Australia before taking on and beating the best from Europe, the US, India, Japan and New Zealand in the global final.

The awards are recognised as the peak competition for printing and label associations around the world.

The clean, minimal label, curved at the top, focuses on the constellation of the Southern Cross, in which Alpha Crucis is the brightest of five stars.

Explaining the thinking behind the design, Alpha Crucis says: ‘The ellipse or partial parabolic arc over the top of the label reflects the shape of the celestial night sky, with the Southern Cross constellation identified by a dotted line as they were in star maps from the last century.

‘Stars surrounding the Southern Cross are highlighted in muted colours with an embossed texture.

‘The gold band towards the base of the label reflects the borders found on early examples of European star maps.’

The label was designed by Motiv Design and printed by Studio Labels, which prints about 70% of South Australia’s wine labels.

Studio Labels, which is owned by Portugal’s Cork Supply Group, said the award reflected the need for the wine industry to strive for quality and focus on brand development as a long-term strategy.

‘This award is the culmination of seven years’ work and the dedication to excellence by our staff,’ said managing director Miguel Alemao.