2023 Billy Button ‘The Little Rascal’ Arneis

A white grape variety originating from the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Whilst there are a number of Arneis plantings in Australia, Jo believes the mountain influence on the topography of the Alpine Valleys has the potential to produce an outstanding example of this variety in Australia. Sourced from the Antonello Vineyard in Buffalo Creek. Combining punchy flavours with a zippy acid, take the time to get to know its characters! After all the word Arneis translates to ‘little rascal’ in the local dialect.

Arneis originates from the Northern Italian region of Piedmont.The name literally translates to "Little Rascal" in the local dialect, as it is considered difficult to grow. This is a vibrant wine, displaying lovely fruit intensity with a textured yet crisp palate.

Say 'ah-nayze'

Vintage Snapshot

A cool season resulted in attractive varietal characters of pear and apple interlaced with lovely citrus qualities.  Dense flavours, balanced with ample natural acidity.

Production Notes

The fruit was machine harvested at the first week of March and gently pressed into one tank combining the free fun and pressings. The juice was then cold settled overnight, racked, and fermented in stainless steel with selected yeast.  Yeast was chosen to protect and enhance the lovely varietal expression this site delivers year after year. After a slow and cool ferment, the wine was sulphured immediately and held on yeast lees for six months before clarification and being bottled in September 2023. 

Tasting Notes

Appealing aromas of orchard fruits with highlights of citrus and spice.  The same apple and pear characters are complemented on the palate by zesty citrus and a fine chalky texture, giving the wine a lingering length.

Optimal Drinking Window – now until 2030

Technical details

Vineyard:            Antonello Vineyard, Buffalo Creek

Region:              Alpine Valleys

Alcohol:              13.5%

Volume made:    268 dozen

Winemaker:       Glenn James, Melissa Fettke & Jo Marsh

Reviews

Gold - 2023 North East Victorian Wine Challenge

"Arneis and the Alpine Valleys is a natural fit. The Italian grape thrives in a high, cool alpine environment. Brings a gently savoury almond character in line with lemon zest, apple, fresh-cut pear and spice fit to an impressive length of flavour and chalky texture. Tangy citrus drive through the finish. Don't over chill." Awarded 94 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 27 February 2024

"Autumnal fruits spiced with wild fennel and white pepper, fully suggestive of quality arneis on the riper, mid-weighted spectrum. Very good drinking with no dearth of concentration. Best, the acidity is gentle rather than tweaked and shrill."  Awarded 91 points, JamesSuckling.com, Ned Goodwine - Published 20 January 2024