Raise your hand if your entire Timeline is complete of celebrity endorsements! With the cluttered consumer market, few collaborations have made a splash like Snoop Dogg’s partnership with the wine brand “19 Crimes.” This unexpected collaboration between the iconic California rapper and a traditional winemaking label has ignited a unique fusion of history and hip-hop, appealing to wine enthusiasts and Snoop Dogg fans.
But does it taste good? We’ve reviewed a few wines from the 19 Crimes wine and even delved into the captivating history of the 19 Crimes brand.
A Brief History of Snoop Dogg Wine
Before we dive into the wine itself, it’s essential to understand the brand’s history – which is intriguing. 19 Crimes, an Australian wine label, takes its name from the 19 legal offenses that often sent British convicts overseas to Australia in the 18th century. These crimes ranged from theft to murder and served as a means of punishment and exile.
Initially established in 2012, 19 Crimes has always aimed to blend the historical narrative with the art of winemaking. Intrigue and alcohol have always gone hand in hand. The brand’s unique selling point is its creative use of augmented reality (AR) technology. When you point your smartphone at the label on a 19 Crimes wine bottle, the characters on the label come to life, recounting their stories and the crimes that led to their transportation. This interactive feature has garnered significant attention, making 19 Crimes a pioneer in using AR for wine marketing.
Snoop Dogg’s Partnership
Snoop Dogg, a name synonymous with the hip-hop industry for decades, joined forces with 19 Crimes in 2020 to create a line of wines that reflect his personality and style. This collaboration was groundbreaking, marking one of the first instances of a prominent rapper delving into the winemaking world.
Snoop’s involvement brought a new dimension to 19 Crimes’ brand image. His charisma, swagger, and passion for wine blended seamlessly with the brand’s storytelling approach. Together, they introduced the “Snoop Cali Red” wine, quickly becoming a sensation, capturing the essence of California’s wine culture and Snoop Dogg’s iconic West Coast style.
Review of Snoop’s 19 Crimes Wine
Snoop Dogg Red Wine
Snoop Cali Red, the flagship wine of this collaboration, is a blend of 65% Petite Sirah, 30% Zinfandel, and 5% Merlot. This combination creates a smooth and bold wine with a distinctive Californian flair.
Here are a few opinions on this wine:
Aromatic: The first thing you’ll notice when opening a bottle of Snoop Cali Red is the rich aroma that fills the room. It offers an enticing bouquet of dark berries, vanilla, and a hint of smokiness.
Smooth: Some might even say silky. Snoop Cali Red’s palate boasts flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and a touch of cocoa, with soft tannins that provide a velvety texture. This wine is incredibly easy to drink, and the wine lives up to Snoop Dogg’s reputation for smoothness. It’s not overly complex but offers a straightforward, enjoyable drinking experience that resonates with fans of his music and style.
Goes with everything: One of the standout features of Snoop Cali Red is its versatility when it comes to food pairings. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, and even pizza. The wine’s balance and structure make it an ideal choice for various occasions.
Snoop Cali Rosé
When Snoop Cali Red was a success, the collaboration also introduced the Snoop Cali Rosé as a logical next step. Made primarily from Grenache and Zinfandel grapes, this wine offers a refreshing twist on the traditional rosé. Snoop Dogg’s venture into the rosé category showcases his adaptability into so many industries…and now as a wine collaborator. This rosé is an ode to the California lifestyle and adds a fun, youthful twist to the 19 Crimes lineup.
Here’s what you can expect:
Refreshing: Snoop Cali Rosé is a vibrant, salmon-colored wine that exudes freshness. It greets you with a fun aroma of strawberries and citrus. Expect to rosé all day.
Crisp and Fruity: This wine is crisp and fruity on the palate. In addition to the strawberry and citrus, we also got hints of watermelon, ripe berries, and a touch of minerality. Our palettes are very mature, okay. It strikes an excellent balance between sweetness and acidity, making it perfect for warm-weather sipping.
Poolside Pairings: Snoop Cali Rosé is the quintessential poolside companion. It’s an easy-drinking, light wine that pairs well with summery salads, seafood, or simply as a standalone sipper on a sunny day.
Snoop Dogg’s Limited-Edition Releases
In addition to the core two, Snoop Cali Red and Snoop Cali Rosé, Snoop Dogg and 19 Crimes have introduced limited edition releases. These special wines often feature unique label designs and continues to connect consumers with the stories of the 19 Crimes convicts through AR technology.
Chardonnay: Snoop Dogg’s Chardonnay offers a balanced, approachable white wine option. With flavors of apple, pear, and a touch of oak, it complements a variety of dishes, including seafood and chicken dishes.
Merlot: The limited-edition Merlot is a tribute to Snoop Dogg’s love for the classic red grape variety. It’s a medium-bodied wine with notes of dark cherry, plum, and a hint of spice. It pairs excellently with red meat and pasta dishes.
Snoop Dogg Red Wine: This red blend showcases the art of blending different grape varieties. With a mix of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Merlot, it offers a complex flavor profile with hints of blackberry, vanilla, and oak.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Snoop Dogg’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and robust wine that suits those who enjoy deep, dark reds. It boasts flavors of black currant, dark chocolate, and a touch of tobacco, making it a perfect match for hearty dishes like steaks and stews.
Snoop’s collaboration with 19 Crimes provides a delightful and accessible entry point for those looking to explore the world of wine without intimidation. They have added a touch of hip-hop flair to the world of wine and introduced a whole different audience to the pleasures of viniculture.
With their approachable flavors and versatile food pairings, they are excellent choices for both wine enthusiasts and casual consumers. The Snoop Cali Red and Snoop Cali Rosé, in particular, have successfully captured the essence of California’s wine culture and Snoop Dogg’s charismatic personality.
Plus, the marketing is super effective. The use of augmented reality technology on 19 Crimes labels adds an interactive storytelling element to the experience, enhancing the brand’s unique appeal. It’s more than just celebrity branding; 19 Crimes brings together a blend of history, technology, and hip-hop culture in a bottle.
Happy sipping!