January 13, 2022

Introducing: Wild Ferment Arinto

Happy New Year!

Here at Witches Falls, a new year means new wines.

The very first new release for 2022 is a little something special for all our wine-club members.

At a glance

The latest addition to the Wild Ferment range, our 2021 Arinto is a truly exceptional wine. This white varietal originally hailing from Portugal is as versatile as it is scrumptious. On the one hand, this variety can be used to create light, fresh, easy-drinking whites. Alternatively, Arinto is a variety suitable for barrel-ageing and cellaring. Refreshing, zesty, and exuberant, the Witches Falls 2021 Wild Ferment Arinto is buzzing with pep and personality.

Tasting Notes

At present, the Wild Ferment Arinto is displaying hints of honey and citrus blossom on the nose, while the palate is lively and refreshing— boasting notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and ripe pear.

With a dry finish and middling body, this wine is versatile and approachable. It has been aged in French oak barriques for 8 months—the lightest oaking among our Wild Ferment whites. This is a deliberate choice on the part of the Witches Falls wine-making team, resulting in a white wine that retains fruity brightness in youth, while simultaneously possessing the potential to evolve and mature beautifully with age. Arinto can reach a similar level of body and richness that is often associated with Chardonnay— developing notes of honey, beeswax, brioche, and toasted nuts.

Shop Wild Ferment Arinto

Origins, Viticulture, Terroir

Arinto is most widely-planted in the Bucelas, Tejo, and Vinho Verde regions of Portugal. The grapes for our 2021 Wild Ferment Arinto have been sourced from premium South Australian vineyards in the Riverland region.

The terroir of the Riverland is unique. Situated along the banks of the Murray River, the ancient red soils that run along the water are largely composed of clay, sand, and limestone particles. With its warm, dry climate, the conditions in this region make it perfect for growing Mediterranean grape varietals such as Arinto. The high quality of Riverland fruit creates truly unique wines of outstanding calibre.

While many varieties fail to retain sufficient brightness and vivacity in hot, dry areas, Arinto—known for its solid acidity—thrives in warmer climes.

Winemaking

As with all our Wild Ferment range, no commercial yeast has been used to ferment our 2021 Wild Ferment Arinto. Instead, we encourage freshly-pressed juice to ferment with the indigenous yeasts present on grape skins and in the atmosphere surrounding the vineyard. While the outcomes of such ferments can’t be predicted—they are often spectacular, layered, and full of character.

A brief period in oak has allowed the wine to develop complexity and depth without sacrificing its bright, fruit-driven character.