Fugitive Organic launches New Zealand’s First Organic Bag-in-Box wine. The humble bag-in-box and other alternative wine packaging formats have seen somewhat of a renaissance in recent times, mostly due to their environmental advantages.

Recent studies have shown bag-in-box has one of the lowest carbon footprints of all the current alternative packaging formats with carbon emissions (CO2e/L) up to 87% less than lightweight glass. Winemaker Nadine Worley and viticulturist Logie Mackenzie have just launched New Zealand’s first organic Bag-in- Box wine, Fugitive Organic 2023 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. They created Fugitive with a clear vision in mind – to make organic wine with a heightened flavour profile but a low carbon footprint.

Logie explains he and Nadine worked together as winemaker and viticulturist for a well-known Marlborough wine company and in 2021 when they had a chance to make some wine together they knew they wanted to do things differently. “Being organic was only half the story, we wanted to make wine with the lowest carbon footprint possible. The more we researched it was clear single-use glass bottles weren’t going to be part of that story.”

Initially, they investigated a lot of alternative packaging options and started supplying reusable kegs to bars and wine stores. However, the returnable kegs and the tap maintenance had logistical challenges for a small wine company. “So, we went back to the drawing board to look for other alternative packaging options that would work. We wanted packaging that would maintain wine quality, be fully reusable or recyclable and have the lowest carbon footprint possible” says Nadine. It was about this time, they heard about the new premium recycle-ready wine bags.

“The recyclability was really important to us and the fact the bags and taps are made from the same (LDPE) mono-material and can both easily be recycled through the soft plastic scheme was a game changer”. Initially, it was the environmental benefits that drove their decision to put wine in a box, but Nadine says after some ‘tasting trials’, they realised how flexible and convenient the 2L box was.

“It works so well for larger gatherings or dinners, but it also stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 weeks after opening, so works just as well for a glass or two in the evenings…and the box is so compact and light” adds Nadine. “It makes you realise all the wasted weight and
packaging required for glass bottles”.

Logie, who manages the small 2-ha vineyard on the outskirts of Renwick, helped the owners convert to organics 8 years ago “I am always blown away by the quality and flavour of the fruit” he says and describes the wine as a classic style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, full of flavour but with plenty of texture and minerality. “We are not trying to do anything too funky or out there with the wine, just let the fruit and vineyard be the star.”

To find out more & buy, visit: www.fugitiveorganic.co.nz

Wine information:
2023 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2L Box – Growers: Geoff and Gaye Banks – Vineyard Manager: Logie Mackenzie
Winemaker: Nadine Worley – Vineyard: Te Manawa, Renwick – Numbers: pH 3.2, TA 7 RS 2g/L ALC 12.7%

Winemaking: Cool ferment in tank, cultured yeast with time post ferment on yeast lees. A touch of potassium bicarb to balance the acid at stabilisation. Filtered then hand-filled with our new Enoitalia bag-in-box machine.

Fugitive Organic’s 2L Box 2023 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is available online and through their distributor Punky Distro. RRP $59.00
For distributor inquiries please contact andy@punkydistro.com or visit http://www.punkydistro.com/

JB’s Tasting Notes

Fugitive Organic Wine 2 Litre Bag-in-box Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Marlborough NZ
Pale straw in colour with gold & green hues. Fresh nose of tropical fruit, green apple & citrus aromas, a hint of green herb. The palate is nicely balanced with delicious flavours reflecting the nose: lemon, lime, apple, passion-fruit, a crisp acidity & subtle stony minerality / textural elements. Classic Marlborough Savvy, fresh & vibrant conveniently packaged in a bag-in-box. Perfect for sharing!