Behind The Label.
Grace
Profile: Shiraz / Syrah
Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a dark-skinned grape variety grown throughout the world. Generally, European wines are labeled Syrah while Australian wines are labeled Shiraz. We’re neither so we chose to put both on our label.
Honestly, we were a little undecided about releasing this one. I mean we really like it but we didn't know how our kinfolks would feel about it so we took it to a wine tasting & let our cousins decide. The overwhelming responses of YES left us with no choice but to proceed. In most instances we kinda set the parameters...we usually have a name picked out and the label designed. Well, this was not the case...the wine did all of the work.
On the nose this full-bodied, single varietal gives notes of vanilla and mocha with hints of leather. It has great texture with delightful flavors, firm tannins and a smooth finish. So what do we call it?
GRACE! We call it Grace. Y’all know we rep the culture and representation matters so we designed the label to reflect our idea of Grace. We believe everyone deserves a little GRACE.
Wineberry Over Gold
Profile: Cranberry Moscato
The Wineberry Over Gold label was inspired by a uniquely Texas style of vehicle called SLAB. On any given day you may see a shiny car with rims protruding far from the wheel-wells. Popularized in the late 1990's alongside the Houston music scene "SLAB" is actually an acronym that means "Slow, Loud, And Bangin" or "Slow, Low And Bangin". One of the focal points of a true SLAB are the "swangas" , "elbows" or "pokes" which are the wheels or rims. These weapons wrapped in rubber are typically a foreign concept to those outside of Texas but toned-down versions of the original "swangas" existed decades earlier on certain Cadillac's manufactured in 1983 and 1984.
The actual name of the wine Wineberry Over Gold is two-fold. In the first instance we're paying respects to a musical legend and genius, Robert Earl Davis, Jr., also known as DJ Screw. Davis is credited with creating the now-famous slowed down or chopped screwed DJ technique. Screw released over 350 mixtapes and was since his death in 2000 his legacy has gone on to influence a wide variety of music artists. Wineberry Over Gold was the name of Chapter 057.
Secondly, wineberry over gold is also a type of technique / paint scheme used on the SLAB the enhance the color of the car. We felt the color and tint of the wine reminded us of the car color.
Alter Ego
Profile: Peach Pinot Grigio
Per the interwebs alter ego is defined as a second identity or aspect of a person that exists metaphorically as his or her substitute or representative, with different characteristics. It’s a variation of oneself and something anyone can utilize to step more closely toward the light of their true self. It isn't who you wish you could be, but it’s a distilled version of who you already are.
Sasha Fierce, The Queen Bee, Barbie & Tina Snow. Entertainers have somewhat commandeered the idea of alter ego and we're used to seeing them share it with the world as a way to express another side of their artistry, but it's more than a portrait or marketing ploy. The alter ego is a magnified celebration of pre-existing traits, strengths &/or personality that is not usually seen by others. It’s an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the things you want the world to recognize you for. No one is assigned their alter ego; it's something the individual constructs and cultivates.
Yearning to unveil that sexy, unapologetic, grill-wearing bad girl? Step out of your comfort zone
and accept your alter-ego. Allow it to come to the rescue when you’re facing a new challenge
which fills you with doubt or fear. Embrace your alter ego and find ways to bring it out of the
shadows into the light.
Article 7 Cigar Co.
Article 7 Cigar Co. is our boutique cigar brand initially created to commemorate the homecoming of The Prairie View A & M University, a Historically Black College & University located Northwest of Houston. The name Article 7 is derived from the seventh legislative article of the Texas Constitution of 1876 which is essentially how Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth (PVAMU), a former slave plantation became the first state supported institution of higher learning for African Americans in Texas.
At Article 7 we appreciate and respect all facets of the cigar industry yet, we understand our brand may not appeal to everyone and we’re okay with that. We are electing to create products that coincide with the culture that we connect with and represents us. We are here to explore the wonderful experience of cigar smoking with you...cutting, lighting and pairing. Book us for your next event we would be honored to be a part of your special moments.