Connecting The Dots With Pihl
As we head into March, releasing our third unique bottle, we’re excited to feature the work of Pihl, an artist with an ever-evolving style and ability to think outside the box.
Instead of sticking to a single style, Pihl likes to experiment with different techniques, allowing each piece to develop along the way. “I’ve always used drawing as a kind of escape from the busy everyday life,” Pihl explains. “But I’ve never been able to lock myself into one particular style. I love trying out new ideas and seeing where they take me.”
For this label, Pihl wanted to create something warm and inviting, mirroring the bold, concentrated colours and flavours. “Hygge” was of the essence. “I imagined a small wooden cabin deep in the forest. Somewhere cozy where you can unwind with a glass in hand.” If you look closely, subtle details reveal themselves. For instance, a grass-woven blanket and the tiny leaves hanging from the roof, which both nod to Dekanted’s commitment to biodiversity.
Pihl also wanted to bring an interactive element to the design, leading to the idea of a “dot-to-dot” feature on the label. “I always like having something creative to do, so I thought, why not let others engage with the artwork while drinking the wine too?”
The inclusion of a “dot-to-dot” feature adds a layer of engagement, and makes the artwork more than just an illustration. It transforms the label from a passive visual into an interactive experience. Much like the wine itself, which encourages slow enjoyment of complex flavors, the artwork invites contemplation and creative expression. It enhances the ritual of unwinding with a glass, and creates a connection between creativity and relaxation, which all good wines really should do anyway, if you think about it.
We’re certain you’ll agree that Pihl’s art perfectly captures the essence of this month’s release: a drink best enjoyed amidst a mighty brainstorm or a ponderous debate - a sip for connecting the dots, if you will.
You can follow Pihl and his work on instagram: @art.pihl
Winemaker's notes:
“Karmesin was inspired by a dish I made as a starter for new years. The dish consisted of beetroot purée, grilled leek, roasted nuts, and a balsamic glaze. It was meant to have leek as the main ingredient, but the beetroot combined with the sweet and tart glaze and the depth of the nuts completely stole the show.
A friend of mine complemented the dish by saying it was so good that he could drink it straight, like you would a really good sauce. This instantly made me think of creating a wine, that shared some of the same elements as that dish.
After that it was purely trial and error to perfect it, and it became one of the first ideas we ever experimented with. The deep and fruity earthiness of beetroot felt like the perfect combination together with the floral and sweet honey, and the resemblance in both colour and texture of red wine seemed obvious. But as simple as it sounds, it proved difficult. The experiments were always too heavy on the beetroot flavour, or lacked the presence of it completely.
After months of experimenting with different ratios and complementary ingredients, we found a recipe that brings up the intended notes in the wine. A mix of earthiness, acidity and black and red fruit balancing perfectly on a knifes edge.
We ended up juicing the beetroot and mixing it with prune and cranberry juice in a very specific ratio together with oak, roasted hazelnuts and a hint of vanilla, to really add body and to get the right mouthfeel. In the end, it was worth the many hours of pressing beetroots by hand, and the many experiments it took to perfect. We now stand with a wine which truly embodies the flavours of the danish meadows and forests, in the best way possible. SKÅL!”
