Alpha Box & Dice Enigma Barbera 2022 vs Cruz de Alba Fuentelun Reserva 2018
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications. Alpha Box & Dice Enigma Barbera 2022 currently starts £0.20 lower.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £23.75 | £23.95 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Alpha Box & Dice | Cruz De Alba |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Barbera | Tempranillo |
| Region | — | Ribera del Duero |
| Country | — | Spain |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
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Alpha Box & Dice Enigma Barbera 2022
Deeply coloured, vibrantly fruited and wildly expressive, Enigma is Barbera dialled all the way up. Expect searing acidity, bright berry fruit and a lifted herbal edge, all wrapped in a silky, low-tannin frame. It’s unapologetically lively—pure, delicious drinking. Producer Alpha Box & Dice are known for their imaginative, slightly eccentric approach to winemaking, crafting a modern, experimental collection of wines that are every bit as characterful as their labels suggest. Their focus is on creating boutique, small-batch bottlings that celebrate variety, site and creativity. Production Fruit is sourced from the Bonoposto vineyard in Kenton Valley, Gumeracha—home to light red clay-loam soils over granite. The grapes are hand harvested and split into two fermenters: one undergoing 100% whole-bunch fermentation, the other fully destemmed. Both components ferment with wild yeasts, with plunging and foot-stomping for gentle cap management. After fermentation, the wine is basket-pressed and matured for 18 months in old puncheons, one of which is second-fill to add a subtle whisper of oak. The parcels are blended before bottling. Tasting Notes A vivid, arterial-red pour leads into aromas of wild berries, rhubarb and a crunchy, stemmy lift. The palate is electric—bright acidity powering juicy berry fruit, with a faint touch of spice and structure humming beneath. Energetic, fresh and wonderfully drinkable. Food Pairing Fantastic with gamey meats, wood-fired pizza, or a smoky, rich pasta amatriciana. Technical Details Grape: Barbera 100% Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Cruz de Alba Fuentelun Reserva 2018
' Cruz de Alba is a renowned biodynamic estate located in the heart of Ribera del Duero. The estate focuses on sustainable viticulture, respecting nature and promoting balance within the vineyard ecosystem. The vines grow in sandy soils, benefiting from the unique microclimate of the region. Cruz de Alba produces high-quality wines that reflect the natural harmony of the land, combining tradition and innovation in every bottle. At Fuentelún, the vines are planted in light, sandy soils with some clay and silt. The vineyard is 3.5 hectares and nearly 40 years old. The maturity of the Tempranillo vines provides security and consistency, producing high-quality grapes with great potential for finesse. Since 2008, we have followed biodynamic viticulture at Fuentelún. This approach treats the vineyard as a living system connected to its environment. The methods aim to regenerate the soil, support the vines, and achieve harmony with nature. By observing the vineyard daily and using biodynamic practices, we ensure a healthy, balanced vineyard ready for environmental challenges. After a cold winter, a rainy spring followed, with 115 liters of rain in May. The vines sprouted between May 17 and 22. Biodynamic treatments with yarrow and silica helped prevent frost damage. June's mild weather made vineyard work easy, and we focused on green pruning, stripping, and leaf removal until mid-August. The summer was warm and dry, and cool autumn nights enhanced the grapes' aroma and color. We harvested on October 11, and shortly after, the weather turned, with rain on October 25 and the first frost on October 29, allowing the vines to rest. '
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