The Witches Berry Chardonnay
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed within 1 to 5 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted chicken, creamy seafood pasta, grilled pork chops
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Named after a weed that grows wild in the McLaren Vale vineyards—Solanum nigrum, or black nightshade, whose small black berries were locally dubbed 'witches' berries' by children—this Chardonnay captures the whimsical spirit and rich terroir of d'Arenberg. The grapes are sourced from cool-climate sites in Adelaide Hills and the flatter, warmer plains of McLaren Vale, providing a beautiful balance of vibrant acidity and rich, ripe fruit. Traditionally crafted, the juice is gently pressed and fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and seasoned French oak barriques. A portion of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, adding a subtle, creamy texture and complexity to the palate without overshadowing the bright, primary fruit flavors of white peach, nectarine, and citrus.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn in the heart of McLaren Vale, South Australia, d'Arenberg is a historic, family-owned winery currently guided by fourth-generation winemaker Chester Osborn. Renowned for its traditional, hands-on approach, the estate utilizes very old basket presses and practices foot-treading for all its red wines, maintaining a steadfast commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The winery is celebrated for its highly characterful, complex wines with distinctive, quirky names, most notably its flagship 'The Dead Arm' Shiraz, alongside exceptional Grenache and Rhône-style blends. Today, the estate seamlessly blends its rich heritage with avant-garde innovation, epitomized by the iconic d'Arenberg Cube visitor center rising above the ancient vines.