On paper, Beechworth chenin blanc is an unknown. In the glass, it's a case of 'Where have you been all my life?' It's super-ripe, which brings in the grape's florals and peaches dripped in honey, not to mention texture and warmth of expression. Orange blossom, citrus, peach and apple are lifted and bright in aroma. Takes a warm, rich, nutty, spicy and savoury turn on the palate, all the while controlled by the grape's naturally keen acidity. One to watch.
95 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au
Castagna Chenin Blanc from Beechworth is a wine of poise, texture, and quiet complexity—an expression of one of the world’s most soulful white varieties, reimagined through the lens of biodynamic farming and granite-strewn Australian high country. Julian Castagna, one of the pioneers of serious artisan winemaking in Beechworth, has long been known for his attention to detail, his fierce independence, and his devotion to terroir. His Chenin Blanc is no exception.
Beechworth’s elevated, granitic slopes provide the ideal setting for Chenin Blanc to thrive. The cool climate preserves acidity, while the mineral soils lend tension and structure. Farmed biodynamically since the beginning, the fruit is pure, expressive, and handled gently from vine to bottle. Julian’s winemaking style is non-interventionist—wild ferments, extended lees contact, and minimal sulphur—to allow the site and the variety to speak clearly.
In the glass, Castagna Chenin Blanc is all about quiet power. Aromas of quince, pear skin, chamomile, crushed stone, and subtle lanolin waft up gently. The palate has that hallmark Chenin texture—waxen, slightly pithy, yet energetic—with a line of acidity that drives through notes of lemon balm, honeysuckle, and almond skin. It’s a wine that rewards contemplation, with layers that slowly unfold over time in the glass.
There’s something both ancient and modern in this wine—a nod to the Loire Valley, yes, but with unmistakable Australian confidence and clarity. It’s rare, it’s cellar-worthy, and it’s unmistakably Castagna.
Product/Service Sold Out | No |
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En Primeur | No |
New Arrivals | No |
Wine Type | White Wine |
Wine Style | Biodynamic |
Country | Australia |
Region | Beechworth |
Varietals | Chenin Blanc |
Vintage | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Wine Points | 95 |
ABV Percent | 14.5% |