From its origins in 1989, establishing both vineyard and winery on the Heretaunga plains of Hawke’s Bay, the family, horticulturists with an interest in wine, were pioneers in what has now become the renowned Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District of Hawke's Bay.
New Zealand family owned, it has been the winery's philosophy to remain authentic and relevant with classic enjoyable wines, the importance of quality and expert craftsmanship paramount. Alpha is derived from the first initials of the founding family member’s names in age descending order, Anthonius, Leonarda, Paulus, Henrikus and Anthony, Domus is Latin for home.
Situated in close proximity to the historic Bridge Pa Airfield vintage aircraft are often seen in the skies above the winery.
Alpha Domus is in transition to becoming fully organic.
What characteristics of your wine are influenced by the physical landscape of your winery?
“Collaborating with top Marlborough vineyards we sourced this fruit from two vineyards in the Wairau Valley to meet our exacting specifications.”
What is one of the most rewarding things about winemaking?
“Tasting with people, sharing the experience of what makes wine more than just a beverage.”
TASTING NOTES
“Vibrant and classically Marlborough aromas, passionfruit, guava, lime and kaffir with hints of tropical mango. A perfectly balanced almost juicy palate that carries through all of the vibrant tropical perfume, with great depth of flavour and rounded texture. A complex yet very enjoyable style that is brimming with flavour and multifaceted aromas. Enjoyable on its own but also suited to food because of the harmonious balance of the palate.”
What was important in making this award-winning wine?
“We blended this wine from the best parcels from growers who are long established and experienced in the Wairau Valley of Marlborough. There is also a dash of semillon from our own Hawke’s Bay vineyard, giving volume and depth.”
Food Pairing?
“While it is easy to drink on its own this is a dryer style, so would work well with a leafy spring salad topped with feta cheese and roasted root vegetables.”
How long can you shelf your winning bottle of wine for?
“12 months.”
Who would your wine appeal to?
“This is a wine that will appeal to the Sauvignon Blanc lover. There are loads of typical Sauvignon fruit flavour but also extra layers of interest and softness from time in bottle.”
How would you describe this wine to someone who's never had this grape varietal/blend before?
“Full, vibrant and brimming with citrus and tropical fruit flavours coupled with limey freshness.”
If you could do a wine bottle swap with any winery in NZ or the world, which winery and wine would it be with?
“For Sauvignon I would have to look towards Sancerre, my favourite part is a little village called Chavignol that is overlooked by the famous Mont Damnes vineyards. A bottle from any of these vineyards would be great, definitely Sauvignon but more subtle on the nose with exquisite structure.”
FAST FACTS:
Co-Founder: Paul Ham - Managing Director.
Current Owners: The original founding family are the owners.
Winemaker: Barry Riwai
Location: Bridge Pa Triangle, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay
Wine varietals produced:
Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Semillon, Viognier
