Wine Innovation profile: Funambule

Funambule is a new brand whose name, French for tightrope walker, references its “perfect balance.”

This Vintner’s Select is a balanced blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah and 10% oak-aged Merlot.

Funambule is the first offering from Summit Vineyards, an international winemaking and marketing team, who partner with local winegrowers to produce terroir-driven wines.

The wine has a nose of red berries with a nuance of cedar and a palate of juicy, black fruit flavours with a touch of spice. Gord Stimmell of The Toronto Star, used “black plums”, “cherry pulp” and “mulberry” to describe the flavours.

Summit Vineyards’ enologist, Pierre Fonteneau helped create the blend. Fonteneau states that “on the palate the wine is very concentrated but at the same time round and elegant with a long finish”.

He also notes that it is a medium-bodied red which is “satisfying to drink in all seasons”.

Summit’s focus is to produce tasty, good-value wines. Funambule has a suggested retail price of under £6 in the UK.

Funambule is an example of Summit’s mission to brand their wines with “friendly personalities”. Instead of traditional French packaging, it has a contemporary flair with a name inspired by the wine’s origin. The design is intended to attract customers who make sociability, fun and adventure part of their lifestyle.

Funambule is packaged in an eco-friendly lightweight glass bottle under screwcap.

The first bottling has recently been shipped to Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.

Summit Vineyards is seeking international importers. For more information, email dave@summit-vineyards.com or visit the soon-to-be-finished www.summit-vineyards.com.

Funambule is just one of the entrants into this year’s Wine Innovation Masters. Click here for more details