Hatten Wines Aga White NV

When I told people that I will feature a wine from Bali at my next tasting, those not in disbelief were completely convinced that I had it completely wrong. For the rest, we could indulge in an unusual wine from an unusual place: the very warm North Coast of Bali, the so-called ‘Island of the gods’ that has many jungles, volcanoes, and vineyards. Just off the equator, the vines are overdelivering with about three vintages per year.

The Hatten Wines winery was founded in 1994 by Ida Bagus Rai Budarsa and, unlike other wineries in Bali (where grapes are mostly sourced from Australia), they grow and vinify the wine in Bali under the expertise of Australian flying winemaker, James Kalleske and the Indonesian winemaker Ni Komang Yeni Iramahayani. The Aga white blend (‘Aga’ means ‘authentic’ in Balinese) consists of Muscat St Vallier (although better-known as a table grape, it is a common grape variety for winemaking in Indonesia), Chenin Blanc and Colombard (both grape varieties that perform well in warmer climates).

In the glass, this wine has a light-yellow colour with a golden rim. On the nose, it presents some citrus, stone fruit and vanilla. On the palate, it starts with a very fresh off-dry taste with green apple, lime and apricot profile, against a pronounced vanilla custard (yes, a very convincing custard!) background. Some honeydew and cloves feature afterwards, followed by roasted almonds and a zesty lime finish. It is an exciting wine and the ripe fruits from the warm climate is evident throughout.

This wine can be enjoyed on its own or with a Thai green curry, Rendang or sweet and sour chicken wings. It should be served chilled. This wine came from a special Balinese friend and I am not sure if it is available outside Bali. However, if you can get your hands on one of them, it is worth it!

Producer: Hatten Wines

Variety: Muscat St Vallier, Chenin Blanc, Colombard

Vintage: NV

Origin: North Coast, Bali Sanggalangit, Buleleng, Indonesia

Winemaker: James Kalleske & Ni Komang Yeni Iramahayani

Closure: Screwcap

Alcohol: 11.5%

Average price: R250

Rating: 88/100