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This round’s Label of the Month is by Cycles Gladiator. They’ve shared this label on several styles of wines for several years now. Cycles Gladiator began in 2006 with this striking label. These wines are widely available, so you may have seen this one is stores. You can’t find it in Alabama though, where it is outlawed due to the label, a copy of a classic art poster.

The original art was created by French painter G. Massias in 1895 as a poster to advertise bicycles made by Gladiator. This was the Belle Époque in Europe when life was becoming easier for the upper classes due to new technologies and greater scientific understanding. Art Nouveau was the prominent visual style throughout much of Europe at the time. Cabaret was becoming a popular form of entertainment. The first Cabaret opened in Paris and was called the Le Chat Noir. This Art Nouveau poster from 1896 by Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen is a famous one.

Also, around this time in Europe, sparkling champagne became part of popular culture as it shifted to a brut style with no added sugar. This is still the predominant style of champagne. This champagne ad from 1896 is a poster by Alphonse Mucha, who’s credited with popularizing this new art style.

This style of art including January’s Label of the Month captures a feeling that goes well with a more fun approach to wine. It’s an approach that we at WineGirl Wines always have in mind, so don’t be surprised to see Art Nouveau style on one of our labels someday.

J.H.