Sparkling Arnies: A Bright, Italian‑Varietal Made for Memorable Moments

By Nadja Wallington – ChaLou Wines, Orange NSW

Our Sparkling Arnies is bright, expressive and full of energy — the kind of sparkling that feels just as at home at a long lunch as it does at a casual dinner with friends. We released the first vintage at the end of 2025 and it quickly found its place as one of the most joyful wines in our cool‑climate range.

This sparkling is made from Arneis, an Italian white variety I’ve always loved for its gentle aromatics and natural freshness. At 900 metres here in Orange, NSW, Arneis develops vibrant acidity and purity, which makes it a perfect fit for a lively, refreshing sparkling style. The fruit comes in with lift and clarity, and my job in the winery is simply to preserve that sense of brightness.

Why Arneis Works So Well as a Sparkling

Arneis isn’t a traditional sparkling variety in Australia and that’s exactly why I enjoy working with it. In a cool‑climate region like Orange, the variety holds:

  • fresh acidity that gives the wine drive
  • delicate aromatics of pear, white blossom and citrus
  • a natural softness that keeps the palate approachable
  • a clean, refreshing finish that makes it incredibly drinkable

The result is a sparkling wine that feels expressive without being fussy — something you can open for a celebration or simply because the afternoon feels good.

A Sparkling Made for Fun, Memorable Moments

Sparkling Arnies is designed for the moments that matter: relaxed dinners, long lunches, birthdays, picnics, or those spontaneous occasions where you want something refreshing and a little unexpected. It’s not trying to be a traditional method sparkling or a serious, structured wine. It’s meant to feel joyful — a bottle you reach for because it makes people smile.

Part of the LOU Series: A Collaboration Rooted in Curiosity

This wine is also part of the LOU Series, a collaboration between me and one of my best mates, Louella Matthews. The series is all about exploring varieties and styles that spark curiosity — wines that sit slightly outside the expected, but still feel grounded in place and craft.

These aren’t run‑of‑the‑mill styles. They’re thoughtful, collaborative creations shaped by conversation, experimentation and a shared love of making wines that bring something genuinely new to the glass.

Sparkling Arnies fits perfectly into that ethos: familiar enough to love instantly, but different enough to make you pause and think, “Oh, that’s interesting.”

Why Sparkling Arnies Matters to Me

For me, this wine represents the playful side of cool‑climate winemaking. It’s a reminder that not every wine needs to be serious or contemplative. Some wines are simply meant to bring joy and Sparkling Arnies does that beautifully.

It also shows what’s possible when we let the site guide us. At 900 metres, Arneis has a natural vibrancy that makes sparkling feel like the most honest expression of the fruit. My role is to honour that — to keep the wine bright, expressive and true to the place it comes from.

Where to Buy Wines

Sparkling is available via our website or pop out and visit us at our cellar door.

 

 

Related Posts