25 September 2020
A unique drop from Berton Vineyards is helping attract visitors in search of a different experience to the Griffith region.
Berton Vineyards is the only winery in Australia to produce the rare Aranel variety, which was created in France.
The Aranel variety was first cross pollinated in 1961 by plant breeder Paul Truel in France.
It was derived from Grenache Gris and Saint-Pierre Doré (an almost-extinct white grape from the Auvergne region) and is related to the variety Gouais Blanc, a parent to Chardonnay.
Apart from the small planting in Yenda, a small area is also planted in the South of France. Varietal wines made from Aranel are best described as floral and fragrant with a bouquet of orange blossoms and white peach.
Griffith City Council's Tourism Manager, Mirella Guidolin said, Griffith is fortunate to have many quality wines helping boost tourism.
"Rare varietals are becoming more and more popular, with visitors travelling from all over to try new products," she said.
"This kind of unique wine is a real drawcard for wine lovers coming to Griffith."
Berton Vineyards Winemaker, James Ceccato said "Our Aranel grower, Eric, used to be involved with the Vine Improvement Society and he wanted to plant something different. The Aranel has now been planted for 16 years and as far as Eric is concerned, it is a great variety for this area, very suited to our hot climate."
Wine Writer, Winsor Dobben, said "Aranel is an extremely rare grape variety – so rare there have only been two versions produced in Australia; one by Tempus Two that I have not tried and appears to have been discontinued, and this rather delicious version from Berton Vineyards in the Riverina."
