Castagna 'Quasibianco' Skin Contact Riesling 2018

Julian Castagna planted his Beechworth vineyard at a time when most Australian wineries were being seduced by Robert Parker’s gushing praise of thick, high-octane Shiraz. But that was not his style. Instead, he created wines of finesse, elegance and tension.

Embracing his Italian roots, Julian drew inspiration from the great wines of the old world, creating wines that pair well with food and thrive in our warmer climate. From the high altitude foothills of the Australian Alps, just outside of Beechworth, he championed the biodynamic principles set down by Rudolf Steiner. 

Embracing biodynamics from early on, Julian worked closely with biodynamic author Nicholas Joly in learning to understand micro-bacterial activity and living soils. No chemicals are used and companion crops are planted so that the entire vineyard works as a thriving ecosystem. 

"Riesling from King Valley that spends 30 days on skins. The 2018 wines of Castagna are in great form, particularly the whites. This was tasted from magnum and is magnum price. Whiffs of finest chicken broth, let’s say saline and slightly savoury, lemon zest. Very crisp and rolls long and fine on salty tannins with a carpet of citrus, green apple and preserved lemon. Very refreshing and very refined as an orange wine, trim and taut, racy and pure. Outstanding example." 95pts - Mike Bennie - WineFront