2024 Billy Button ‘The Versatile’ Vermentino

The Alpine Valleys region boasts a proud Italian-origin population, many of them second or third generation who have followed their parents into crop growing. Tobacco used to be a significant industry, hence the iconic kiln houses that dot the landscape. Once tobacco declined, many took to growing grapes and hence the area has an array of Italian grape varieties, including Vermentino. This variety is grown in various Italian regions and originate from Sardinia. This fruit comes from the Ferraro Vineyard at Myrtleford. Growing this sun loving variety in a cool climate means that Jo can pick the fruit a little riper while still retaining good acidity.  This results in a richer more textural style of Vermentino.

Say 'ver-men-tee-no'

Vintage Snapshot

A cooler season, especially for Vermentino (a variety that loves heat) has produced a wine with attractive citrus and saline qualities and great natural acidity.  

Production Notes

The fruit was machine harvested and pressed as one component to a holding tank where it was partially settled overnight. Using Flexcubes and stainless steel, the juice was then split into several batches and inoculated with selected yeast. Ferments were slow and cool, with temperatures maintained around 15 degrees. Wine was then held on lees with occasional stirring to enrich texture before final blending and clarification. Bottled January 2025.

This wine is so fragrant and pure with a delicacy unusually seen in a wine with this depth and weight.

Tasting Notes

Intensely fragrant with bursts of citrus, apple, pear and an undercurrent of trademark sea breezy brininess. Dry, textural and savoury with a phenolic edge that is complimented by a focused citrus drive and salinity. Impressive presence.

Optimal Drinking Window – now to 2030

Technical details