Krone unveils new twist-open-and-close cork

Helix, meaning spiral, is the world's first twist-open-and-close cork closure for wine, combining the heritage of cork with the convenience of a screw cap. The result of a four-year collaboration between the world's leading cork and glass manufacturers, Amorim and O-I (Owens-Illinois), Helix opens and closes with a simple twist of the wrist, thanks to a matching thread finish found inside the neck of the bottle and on the cork enclosure itself.

The Krone Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2015 is elegantly packaged with a navy blue foil very similar to a Cap Classique foil, giving it distinction on the shelf and bringing it into line with the range of Krone Cap Classiques.

The 2015 vintage is fragrant on the nose and has a well-rounded mouth feel. The Chardonnay contributes crisp acidity and elegance whilst the Pinot Noir brings intensity and richness coupled with delicate red berry fruit flavours. These two grapes create a wine that is full of appealing flavour, yet remains balanced and refreshing. The Krone Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2015 is a perfect partner for Mezze and Mediterranean dishes, seared tuna, smoked salmon, seafood, Thai curries, ham or veal. Or simply enjoy it on its own.

The Krone Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2015 is widely available nationally at leading retailers for approximately R59.99 per bottle.

Merits of the Helix Concept

Prestigious packaging awards (in Italy and France), as well as extensive market research, rigorous testing and global media interest, have highlighted the many merits of the Helix Concept:

• Helix combines the premium image of traditional cork with the convenience of a screw cap;
  
• Helix is enjoyable to open, with the classic ritual of cutting the foil and uncorking the bottle, and the hallmark 'pop', triggering pleasant associations;
  
• Helix offers user-friendly, re-sealable convenience;
  
• Helix offers excellent preservation of taste, aroma and colour;
  
• Helix presents no risk of cork taint since all the granules in the agglomerate cork are passed through stringent preventative and curative measures during production;
  
• Helix is 100% natural, sustainable and eco-friendly;
  
• Helix provides distinction and recognition in the market place.

Helix is a price-competitive packaging concept, aimed predominantly at still wines in the popular premium, fast turnaround segment, where convenience is a major factor, but it can also be adopted for a broader range of wines with a shelf life of up to two years. The concept is suitable for both the retail and on-consumption trade. For sommeliers and bartenders, Helix not only offers the traditional drawing of the cork but also the opportunity to twist and reseal bottles when serving 'wine by the glass'.

For further information, contact Abigail Rands at az.oc.kraminiv@liagiba or Ginette de Fleuriot at az.oc.kraminiv@ettenig.