Alpha Box & Dice, Enigma, Barbera, Australia 2016

The 2016 Enigma came from two Adelaide Hills vinyards – Berry vineyard in Kuitpo and Carmini Peppicelli in Kenton Valley. It was handpicked, with roughly 25%whole bunches, going through wild fermentation until dry in open fermenters with pump overs twice daily. It then spent 18 months on lees in old puncheons and old Burgundy barriques.

Forming Alpha Box & Dice as a laboratory for viticultural exploration in 2008, the team set upon constructing a different wine style to represent every letter of the alphabet. Each member of the ‘Alphabet of Wine’ is has its own unique personality that fulfils a different purpose – no two wines are created alike. AB&D wines are all linked by their environment and surroundings, being created holistically through minimal intervention, vegan friendly methods. However, they are completely distinct in their flavour, appearance and orientation. In this way, AB&D wines are just like a (mostly) happy family.

Under the guidance of Managing Director Dylan Fairweather, Sam Berketa directs the vinous laboratory as Head Winemaker – ticking off letters with new blends, while evolving the existing wines in AB&D’s portfolio. Sam, who has been AB&D’s Head Winemaker since 2016, has packed a lot of winemaking experience in his short 29 years, working across vintages in McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Germany’s Rheinhessen, Italy’s Barolo and USA’s Monterey. Sam has applied knowledge from each vineyard he’s worked in to AlphaBox & Dice, helping the wines evolve and improve with each vintage.

While alternative varietals are their forte, AB&D  champion the integrity and overwhelming quality of South Australian fruit above all else, with Dylan’s brother Justin spreading the AB&D story further into new markets all over the world as Export Director. Back home, the young, passionate and enthusiastic team grow their networks and influence as a leading South Australian producer who make innovative – yet indubitably drinkable – products.