2025 Pizzini Arneis, King Valley

Pizzini Arneis from the King Valley is a bright, textural and delightfully aromatic white that showcases just how well this Piedmontese grape thrives in the cool, alpine influenced foothills of Victoria’s high country. The Pizzini family were early adopters of Italian varieties in Australia, and Arneis has become one of their quiet triumphs. High altitude vineyards around Whitfield and Myrrhee, rooted in decomposed granite and clay loams, give the grape lifted aromatics, crisp acidity and a subtle mineral edge. Cool nights preserve perfume while warm days allow gentle ripening, creating a style that is both refreshing and quietly complex.

In the winery the family keeps things simple: hand picking at dawn for delicacy, gentle pressing, cool fermentation in stainless steel and a short period on fine lees to build a soft, creamy undertone without clouding the grape’s crisp liveliness. The aim is purity and texture in equal measure.

The nose is inviting with notes of white peach, pear, green melon and lemon blossom, joined by almond skin, jasmine, fresh herbs and a faint chalky nuance. As the wine opens, hints of quince, grapefruit pith and cool wet stone emerge, adding depth and lift.

The palate is fresh, silky and beautifully balanced. Juicy orchard fruits glide across a lightly creamy mid palate, kept taut by vibrant acidity. Flavours of pear, apple, citrus zest and soft spice build gently, finishing clean, dry and lightly savoury with lingering florals and a touch of minerality. There is a lovely interplay of brightness and finesse, making it both easy drinking and quietly sophisticated. It will evolve nicely over the next two to three years.

Perfect with seafood risotto, grilled prawns, roast chicken salads, creamy vegetable pasta, antipasti, soft cheeses, sushi, asparagus dishes or anything featuring herbs and olive oil.