NV Castagna Aqua Santa 500ml

97 pts
A solera-aged, botrytised Viognier from Julian Castagna – part oxidative, part sweet, and as always with Castagna, completely original.

Price:
Sale price$65.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship, only 3 units left
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Description

There’s really nothing else in Australia quite like Aqua Santa. Julian Castagna makes it from botrytised and dried Viognier grapes, building the wine through a solera that’s been ticking along for nearly two decades. It matures slowly under a thin veil of flor, developing that savoury, nutty edge you usually only see in old sherry or vin jaune.

It pours a deep gold and smells like a pantry in autumn – orange peel, quince paste, apricot, honey, walnut and a little spice. The palate is rich and layered, but it’s not heavy or cloying; there’s a lift of acidity and freshness that keeps it alive. The finish is long and dry-edged, a perfect match for soft, ripe cheese or anything a bit funky.

Tiny quantities made, and impossible to copy – this is one of those wines that could only come from Castagna.

97 points
"a stimulating and essential cheese wine... marvellously complex, fresh, clean and not too sweet."
- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)

Jeni Port

Jeni Port

Halliday Wine Companion 97 Points

A rarity in Australian wine terms, Aqua Santa is based on a solera of botrytised viognier started 18 years ago. It makes for a stimulating and essential cheese wine – something 'smelly and creamy', according to the maker. Quince paste, marzipan, orange peel, dried fruit panforte, peach, apricot, honey and walnut bring a nutty dried fruit-spiced palate that is marvellously complex, fresh, clean and not too sweet. 500ml.

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type Sweet
Body Full Bodied
Variety Viognier
Country Australia
Region Beechworth
Australian State VIC
Reviewed By Halliday Wine Companion
The Wine Advocate
Critic Score 97
Alcohol 15%
Size 500ml
Closure Cork

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