Charlemagne Wine Club - 2005 Tastings

Monday 21st November 2005
Alpha Domus introduced by Christos Ioannou
Alpha Domus was established in 1991 to produce premium wines from an immaculate 20-hectare vineyard on the western Heretaunga Plains near Hawke’s Bay. The alluvial soils characteristic of this area combined with low rainfall and high summer temperatures provide ideal growing conditions for high quality fruit.
The entire operation was founded on the vision of the five members of the Ham family. Ton (Anthonius) and Lea Ham emigrated to New Zealand in the early 1960’s and in partnership with sons Paul, Henry and Anthony decided to develop a premium wine project in the late1980’s. The name Alpha Domus represents how the venture came into being. Alpha represents the Ham family as it is a grouping of each family member’s first initial. And Domus is the Latin word for house or home.
Alpha Domus produces two selections of quality wines from classic grape varieties grown in its own vineyards. The wines are marketed under the Alpha Domus and AD labels. The Alpha Domus label is built upon selecting premium quality grapes, soft subtle oak and consistency. Typically, the wines are pure to varietal character and display intense fruit flavours.
The AD label is reserved exclusively for those wines considered exceptional. The wines are carefully hand-crafted using both modern and traditional methods of winemaking. The AD selection of wines strives to exhibit individuality, varietal concentration and harmony of flavours and complexity. Their focus on producing Bordeaux blends was rewarded last year when Decanter Magazine awarded 'Best New Zealand Red' to The Aviator, their top wine.
As well as The Aviator and other Bordeaux blends, Christos will be showing a Viognier, a barrel aged Semillon, and a Pinot Noir.