2024 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.
Say 'ah-nayze'
Vintage Snapshot
A cool growing season has delivered a lovely varietal expression. Dense flavours balanced with a lovely chalky acidity.
Production Notes
The fruit was machine harvested at the last week of February and gently pressed into one tank combining the free fun and pressings. The juice was then cold settled overnight, racked, split into two batches 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 2024.
We consider 2024 to be one of the strongest vintages yet for Billy Button, so we also consider this 2024 Arneis to be among the best we have made.
Tasting Notes
Layered aromas of pink grapefruit, lemon pith, caraway, fennel and mace combine to give this wine an attractive savoury quality with highlights of citrus and spice. The palate is zesty with a strong sense of minerality. Textured, with attractive oyster shell and chalky acidity there is a lovely weight to this wine.
Optimal Drinking Window – now to 2031
Technical details
Reviews
"A sophisticated arneis that combines a textural component with some smart and sassy savoury freshness. Works so well in delivering a subtle fineness in pear skin, yellow apple, grapefruit pith, almond and citrus. A light spiciness accentuates while juicy acidity offers some refreshing zip." Awarded 95 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 12 August 2025