Alpha Box & Dice Italian Plastic Blush

A modern, cutting-edge collection of wines – just look at the labels – from the passionate and slightly bonkers trio of Dylan and Justin Fairweather and winemaker Sam Berketa. AB&D was founded in McLaren Vale in 2008 and is unconventional in its approach; there are no regional, varietal or stylistic boundaries, just great wines from great fruit.

The plan is to craft a different wine for every letter of the alphabet – from Apostle (Shiraz-Durif blend) to Zaptung (crown-capped Prosecco). Each wine is unique and has a story and eye-catching label to go with it. A fab collection of wines that a causing quite a buzz in the wine scene.

Production

Pinot Gris grapes were fermented on skins for three weeks to draw out soft peach and pear with a hint of pepper. Sandy loam over schist bedrock soils set up an elegant structure – cellar this one happily for up to ten years.

Tasting Notes

A rosy cheeked Ramato renaissance. Lets kiss and makeup. A sip with a smile that would leave even kings and queens feeling flush. BLUSH now, but flattery will get you far. A floral flirt well versed in tomfoolery. Putty in the palm of your hand, so while were there why not take a taste?

The nose is lifted, carrying notes of pear, rose petal, musk, dried guava, watermelon rind, pepper and hints of redcurrant and peach. That haze seems to transfer to the palate in an entirely pleasing way, with a chewy textural feel, a sense of matter and grip rather than the simple glide of a more conventional take on the grape. The acidity is present but gentle, with the grape tannins doing the heavy lifting.