Description
Ferguson Valley, Australia
Arneis is an Italian varietal hailing from Piedmont. It produces wines similar in character to Chardonnay or Verdelho, so ideally suited to Australian conditions.
After harvesting the fruit was destemmed, crushed and then pressed. The juice was transferred into two and three-year-old French oak barrels for wild fermentation over a period of 5 months.
2023 had mild summer, cooler than usual resulted in a longer ripening period and later harvest. This was a growers’ dream. At the same time there was no rain to halt the long, slow but linear ripening of each variety. These conditions have produced balanced wines with powerful flavours being the hallmark.
QO5 references the original family who immigrated from England and settling in the Ferguson Valley in 1883 they were issued this ‘mark’ to brand and identify their livestock. Now, five generations later the Gibbs family use it as a unique symbol of quality and their heritage.
Tasting Notes: Brilliant straw colour with a light hue. Lifted aromas of ripe stone fruits and sweet light vanilla oak with a subtle herbaceous edge. Luscious fruit filled medium-weight palate with a textural element and great balance that leads to a long citrus, zesty finish and a little spice from the oak.
Food pairing suggestions: Creamy soft cheeses: feta, brie, camembert, and mozzarella cheese risotto with hazelnuts and pork or veal in creamy sauce.
