Castagna Aqua Santa NV from Castagna in Beechworth, Victoria is a deeply characterful, solera‑aged sweet Viognier – amber‑gold in the glass and absolutely packed with autumnal richness, spice and savoury intrigue. This Aqua Santa NV blends multiple vintages of botrytised, dried Viognier grapes into a unique, soulful fortified‑style wine from the foothills of the Alps.

On the nose, Castagna Aqua Santa NV pours deep gold and smells like a well‑stocked pantry – orange peel, quince paste, dried mango and apricot, honey, dates, walnuts and vanilla, with hints of green olive brine and clove. The palate is rich and unctuous, carrying around 100g/L residual sugar, yet lifted by beautiful fresh acidity; expect layers of candied mandarin peel, nuts, spice and dried fruit rolling into a long, warming, slightly savoury finish.

This is tailor‑made for blue cheeses, aged cheddar and nutty hard cheeses, as well as quince paste, fruit tarts and almond‑based desserts. It’s also brilliant with pâté, foie gras or even a simple bowl of roasted nuts – Castagna Aqua Santa NV is the sort of contemplative, fireside sweet wine that can comfortably finish a long dinner or anchor a cheese board on a cool Adelaide evening.