A few months ago I voted for something close to my heart. No, not a general election, or even Brexit (though obviously I voted in those and my heart sinks at the memory) …. but for a wine.
I cast my vote for the style, look and feel of a new wine to be created by members of the Co-operative Society. Six months later, this democratically designed wine has appeared on the shelves.
People were asked to vote for the grape (the choices were chardonnay, pinot grigio and a chardonnay-viognier blend) and later its name and then the label design.
The Members’ Choice Pioneer Pinot Grigio (£6.99, 12% abv) is now born. The name Pioneer was selected as a reference to the pioneers of the co-operative movement; and the bear label because it references the Californian wine, as the bear appears on California state’s flag.
What of the wine? It has light aromas of pear, lychee and apple, with more of the same to taste. It is lacking intensity in flavour or acidity to make a memorable impact when you taste, but hey, it’s pleasant enough.
Joseph Turner, wine buyer at the Co-op said: “Listening to the aspirations and passions of our members and finding ways to meet their needs has always been at the heart of Co-op and I believe the first member wine launch takes this to the next level. Being Co-op is all about working co-operatively as a better way of doing business and I am absolutely thrilled that over 3,000 members were actively involved in helping to shape this product.”
Win a case of Members’ Choice Pioneer Pinot Grigio
The Co-op is marking the launch of the new wine with a special competition. Pop down to your local Co-op, pick up a bottle, take a Pioneer selfie (that’s you and the bottle of wine!) and share on Twitter using #CoopJoinIn. Terms and conditions here.
Competition closes November 9, 2017