Saint-Louis

THE OLDEST GLASSMAKER IN EUROPE

In 2016, Penfolds first unveiled a collaboration with Europe’s most respected French glassmaker, Saint-Louis to acknowledge the art and culture of a service ritual long associated with the flagship Grange.

The collaboration was led by a distinctive hand-made crystal objet d’art service vessel, Penfolds Aevum Imperial Service Ritual. Designed to precisely balance and facilitate the perfect pour, this statuesque design reflects a powerful and passionate union and painstaking hours of crafting and refining the perfect piece. It also respects customs of the past and the rarity and splendour of every drop of Grange. This release also marked the first commercial release of only five 2012 Grange Imperial 6 litre bottles available on the planet.

As part of this collaboration, a limited edition release of smaller sculptured decanters Penfolds Aevum Crystal Decanter, accompanied the 750ml 2012 . Each decanter features the striking diamond cut, a signature hallmark of Saint-Louis. Hand-blown, hand crafted.

In 2017 Penfold and Saint-Louis unveiled the second decanter in the Aevum Limited Edition Crystal Decanter Series. This decanter was an evolution in design with inspiration rendered from Grange. A contemporary, minimalistic crystal decanter with an evolved design to showcase the fluid beauty of the fine wine within. A flowing band of incised crystal allows an uninterrupted view of the depth of colour and consistency of the liquid inside.

THE SERVCE RITUAL

Delivering the ultimate service ritual is part of Penfolds culture and wine etiquette. Tradition, care, decanting and ceremony is woven into the fabric of Penfolds and transcends the ordinary. It enhances the enjoyment of a Penfolds wine to release aromas and flavours through aeration, and importantly delivers an unforgettable experience and sense of occasion. Read more on decanting wine here.

When talent, heritage and know how come together, the journey from craft to ritual can be truly extraordinary. This is the first time something of this calibre has taken place and the first time that we have collaborated with a winemaker at this level.

JÉRÔME DE LAVERGNOLLE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SAINT-LOUIS

Overhead image of Saint Louis crystal decanter

ABOUT SAINT-LOUIS

Since 1586, Saint-Louis has nurtured its most iconic creations: the famed diamond cut that gives the majestic and famed Versailles vase its imposing power, the play of intense colours that make Tommy glasses the vessels of celebration on a table, and the pure gold frieze that has richly decorated the Thistle range for a century. Saint-Louis are part of the Hermès group, a union which upholds Saint-Louis’ exceptional know-how and celebrates both of the Maisons’ key values: love of tradition, excellence, elegance and of course, craftsmanship.

THE PARTNERSHIP

The collaboration between Penfolds and Saint-Louis represents the union of two masters of their crafts. An opportunity to craft a journey of ritual, one of heritage and tradition. Saint-Louis’ artisan and careful approach used for the creation of a truly beautiful crystal object d’art can be likened to the vinification processes undertaken by Penfolds winemakers in the nurturing and development of Grange.