"The Xola is our study on duality in wine. In the South American Andes the concept of Yanatin abounds with the indigenous people adhering to a philosophical model based in what is often referred to as a “dualism of complementary terms” or, simply, a “complementary dualism”. As William Blake says “Opposition is true friendship”… The opposites of existence, dark/light, male/female, inner/outer are viewed as interdependent and essential parts of a harmonious whole. Tannin is the dark; the masculine… in its youth Aglianico (ahl-YAH-nee-ko) certainly has it’s fair share of tannin heft and muscle, requiring an extended time in seasoned oak barrels to relax, become comfortable with itself and display the harmonious characters we seek."

Immediate nose of beetroot juice poured over graphite shavings sets you up for quite a journey. The palate shares the same dense minerality and graphite texture as the nose with a quiet but growing presence of forest floor and frozen berries. On opening, this fruit thaws to release fresh summer pudding and cream served in a pencil case. Bonkers!

Alpha Box & Dice were formed as a laboratory for viticultural exploration in 2008, as the team set up constructing a different wine style to represent every letter of the alphabet. Each member of the ‘Alphabet of Wine’ 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 surrounding, 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. With a culture soaked in community, quality and a laissez-faire spirit, Alpha Box & Dice will continue to inspire, delight and surprise in everything they do… and they do a lot!

"Championing the integrity and overwhelming quality of South Australian fruit"

Alpha Box & Dice's vision: Wines without boundaries – regional, varietal or stylistic. Wines whose entire raison d’être is to be delicious and to express the minutia and complexity of site and vintage conditions. Wines that enchant; wines that delight you and leave you betwixt the rock and ripe grape. Through a series of random experiments in the field and adventures in vinous bricolage, these are our modest goals.

Grapes are grown on the Leask Vineyard, McLaren Vale, a red clay soil site which is biodynamic, but biodynamic practises not carried through winemaking. Aglianico is a notoriously late ripener and isn’t picked until late April-early May. Grapes are de-stemmed and inoculated with neutral yeast. Matured for 18 months in seasoned barriques then 12 months in seasoned puncheons.

Will be perfect with chargrilled meats.