Vandal

"There are times in the winery when you sample a wine in its raw state and think to yourself 'I wish I could bottle that now'. Vandall allows us to do just that," explains an unnamed co-owner. Let's call this source, Agent K.

Vandal is an unsigned identity. It could be described as a clever marketing plan but it is also out of respect for the three co-founders and winemakers' formal employers. It provides the trio an "invigorating creative outlet", says Agent K. "We are all very happy with our day jobs, but Vandal is a cool collaboration that adds an extra dimension to our week."

As side hustles go, it has also been very successful. "We currently trade in six markets and are enjoying the response from consumers and trade alike." When asked how they keep their identities a secret when visiting markets, he admits that they don't. "However, our stockists like becoming 'part of the gang' and weave our meetings into their stories with mystery and intrigue."

Vandal was established in 2016 after conceptualising the brand for more than a year. "We had all reached a point in our careers where we wanted an additional project," Agent K explains. "Over a few beers, we talked about that moment in the winery when a wine shone. We nutted out the details of bottling that raw product, the varietals we had to access to, and the branding... It took a bit of time before the name and the concept of Vandal was fully agreed upon. It still evolves as we go and that adds to the fun."

Vandal was launched with two wines, Gonzo Combat Rouge and Gonzo Militia White. Rouge is made primarily of Pinot Noir with a portion of Viognier. "It's a crunchy Beaujolais-esque red wine," Agent K says. "There is no significant oak use, just good fruit and hands-off winemaking. The style leans towards a youthful bottling and we bottle unfined and unfiltered." The field blend, as the name suggests, is a broader selection of varietals and varies year to year. "Historically, it is Viognier dominant and incorporates up to another seven varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Malbec, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. There is plenty of skin contact with this wine. We want it to be unique; we want it to capture the imagination."

A few years into production, Vandal added Resistance Sauvignon Blanc and Gonzo Pet Bat (a pétillant naturel) to its range. "The Sauvignon Blanc is probably our trickiest wine to sell. New Zealand, and Marlborough in particular, is renowned for its signature style of Sauvignon Blanc and theis one doesn't fit the mould. We love that but it's also a double-edged sword." Resistance Sauvignon Blanc is hand harvested, skin fermented and incorporates whole bunch. "There is funk but it is definitely recognisable."

All Vandal wines are fermented dry and free of malic acid. "We are pro minimal intervention, but we also have the ability and inclination to manage risk," Agent K says.

"There is a fine line between quirky and drinkability. Vandal is about drinkability," says Agent K. "We want people to imbibe our wines and we want them to enjoy the experience."