2016 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 in to 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 several Italian grape varieties, including this Vermentino which is grown in various Italian regions, originating in Sardinia. This fruit comes from the Ferraro Vineyard at Myrtleford. Growing this sun loving variety in a cool climate means that Jo is able to pick the fruit a little riper while still having good acidity, which results in a richer more textural style of Vermentino.

Say 'ver-men-tee-no'

Production Notes

The handpicked grapes were whole bunch pressed. The juice was then settled overnight and roughly racked to ferment, which took place in stainless steel using wild yeasts. The wine stayed on ferment lees for 3 months with occasional stirring to enrich the texture and add complexity. The wine was then filtered and bottled.

"It's crunchy, it's floral and it's lively with flavour.  Which is another way of saying that this is an easy drink to recommend.  Perfume hasn't had this much power since Jana Wendt was on the throne.  Wisps of woodsmoke make the allure that bit more compelling."  Campbell Mattinson - Published October 2016, The Wine Front.

Technical details

Vineyard:          Ferraro Vineyard, Myrtleford
Region:            Alpine Valleys
Harvest date:   4th March
Alcohol:           12.5%
Volume made: 180 dozen
Winemaker:      Jo Marsh