Avalon first in US to use Select Bio closure

Avalon Winery, California, is to use Nomacorc’s Select Bio closure for its CAB brand. The Somona County-based winery will be the first in the US to use the new plant-based, zero carbon footprint wine closure. The closure, which is made with renewable, plant-based biopolymers derived from sugar cane, will initially be used in bottles of the 2012 vintage of Avalon’s flagship California CAB.

Avalon, a respected wine brand that specialises in Cabernet Sauvignon, is dedicated to delivering quality-driven wines with great value.  In addition to quality, the company places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Located on the site of a historic apple cannery, the Avalon Winery has led the industry with many environmentally sustainable practices, including the first-of-its-kind 232kw solar cogeneration system installed in 2010, rainwater catchment and diversion to safeguard the nearby Graton salmon spawning reserve, water efficiency upgrades and careful carbon management.

“We’ve striven to minimise our carbon footprint in all that we do  in the winery, the vineyard and in our community,” said Lisa Ehrlich, executive VP marketing, Purple Wine Company.  “Our next step was to implement sustainable solutions and practices into our packaging.  Nomacorc’s Select Bio closure is a perfect choice for our California CAB as it combines quality performance and environmental benefits,” continued Ehrlich.

Sourced from grapes grown in selected vineyards throughout California (including Napa Valley, Lodi, and Paso Robles), the 2012 Avalon CAB is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah, 7% Zinfandel and 4% Merlot. Avalon CAB is nationally distributed at a RRP of US$12.

Bottling with Select Bio closures will begin in July and by the year end, all Avalon CAB wines will contain Nomacorc’s Select Bio plant-based closure. The closureis now commercially available in  the US and in Europe.  

7 July 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor