HATTEN WINES AND TWO ISLANDS
“BALI MAKES WINE”
Defying the popular notion that growing grapes and producing quality wine in the Asian tropics is near impossible, Hatten Wines has managed to establish a successful wine trade while gathering some international recognition. Founded in 1994 by Ida Bagus Rai Budarsa, the first and only true Balinese winery, Hatten Wines brings a taste of Bali to hotels and restaurants tables all over Indonesia. Voted in the top 10 for fastest improving producers in Asia, Hatten Wines is committed to international standards of quality and taste.
The old concept is that hot climates are not favorable for grape growing, but as the owner of Hatten Wines points out, “what is most important for vines is underground water, which we have in our vineyards. The pergola system we use takes care of providing shade to the grapes – and workers and allows us to have a few varieties of grapes which are not traditional wine grapes, but have made us some great wines over the last 2 decades.” Hatten Wines uses local grapes to produce its wines, from its own vineyards in North Bali (Buleleng Regency). In its own vineyards, Hatten Wines grows the local black grapes – the Alphonse Lavallée French table grapes and white grape varieties (Belgia and Chasselas Loulou). These varieties are grown in vineyards along the North Coast of Bali, and need no dormant periods as wine vines do, hence the possibility for Hatten Wines to produce wines yearlong. It is at the winery in Sanur, where the knowledge, experience and genius of Australian winemaker Don Buchanan comes into play. These solid teams of the Australian artist winemaker and Balinese owner have now two brands under their watchful eye.
Being one of two wineries having achieved a medal win for its first application to this prestigious International Competition since its beginnings in 1969, Hatten Wines is extremely proud of its Bronze medal at the London International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2003 – for Alexandria. Having seen their Rosé achieve a finalist position in a Portuguese Rosé Competition amongst highly acclaimed Portuguese and Spanish Rosés, a commendation at another, and recently obtained Silver and Bronze medals for Alexandria and the two Pineau des Charentes methods called Pino de Bali at the Wine for Asia competition in 2011, the pair continues to work closely in achieving award winning wines.
In the last years, Hatten Wines has also embarked on another venture, introducing Australian wines to Bali, by importing juices vilified in Bali. The brand Two Islands, reminiscing of the relationship between Bali and Australia, is an Australian palate tailor made collection of wines offered in Bali. The assortment includes a lively and fresh Chardonnay, a floral and fruity Riesling, a ruby red peppery Shiraz and a full bodied, fruity flavored Cabernet Merlot.
Hatten Wines range includes its famous semi-dry Rosé, dry white Aga White, light red Aga Red and the award winning floral Muscat Alexandria. The range also includes a white and rosé sparkling, Tunjung and Jepun named after Bali’s beautiful water lily and frangipani flowers. The Pineau des Charentes method delightfully sweet fortified wines Pino de Bali in red or white, offer a sweet desert wines to Bali’s tables.
Hatten Wines wine tasting and wine shop, The Cellardoor, is opened 6 days a week at Simpang Siur and in Kemang, Jakarta. Visit to see their growing collection of signature wine accessories.
