James Erskine has a great touch with orange wines, coaxing all sorts of exotic flavours and textures from his whites varieties.

The 2023 vintage brings us the fourth edition of the renowned Origin Arneis, and this time around, we’re diving into some exciting territory with carbonic maceration making its second appearance. James, the skilled vintner behind the scenes, has been on a mission to unlock the full potential of Arneis, a grape known for its understated charm in its natural form. Through tinkering with harvest timing and fermentation techniques, he’s aiming to squeeze every drop of flavour out of these grapes.

Hailing from a hidden gem in McLaren Vale, perched 380 meters high with a northern exposure, the grapes soak up the unique essence of the terroir. These mature vines, aged 21 years, draw their character from the diverse mix of clay, quartz, and ironstone soils that they call home, adding layers of complexity to the wine.

After a lively two-week carbonic fermentation dance, resulting in a distinctive orange hue, the wine hangs out in stainless tanks for a lengthy 11-month nap on its lees. This careful process is all about coaxing out those subtle nuances and textures, resulting in a wine that’s as deep and rich as it is elegant and refined.