The Dolphin Is Selling Ten-Litre Casks of Orange Wine to Take Your Summer Picnics to the Next Level

Every picnic has its staples. You need a blanket and a basket, plus plenty of nibble-type snacks like cheese, crackers, charcuterie and grapes. And, you obviously need something to drink. Because Australians not only like wine, but like it in bulk and in easy-to-carry containers, that's where casks can come in — and The Dolphin has something far more classy than your average box of fruity lexia on offer.

As part of the Icebergs Group's premium cask range, The Dolphin Wine Room is selling ten-litre casks it's calling the Big Orange. No prizes for guessing what colour it is. Made by Owen Latta of Latta wines, it's a casked natural vino which blends a range of grapes into an amber-hued tipple. Initially available at the beginning of 2019, it's now back for the summer thanks to a new batch.

Sourcing most of its fruit from the Pyrenees in Victoria, Owen's 2019 Owen's Big Orange features viognier, sauvignon blanc, merlot, chardonnay mixed with a bit of pinot noir, and syrah with a touch of nebbiolo. They're combined in roughly equal parts, with some riesling grapes from central Victoria also added in. As well as being sustainably farmed, the grapes are all sourced from low-impact vineyards.

If you're keen on a cask — for a picnic, for your cupboard, for Christmas lunch or for a gift — you can buy one to takeaway from The Dolphin Wine Room. It doesn't come cheap, though, with this big beauty setting vino-lovers back $250.

If you're just eager for a taste, the Big Orange is also on the menu in-house at The Dolphin, Icebergs Terrace and CicciaBella. Grab a glass for $9 or a one-litre carafe for $50.

The Big Orange is available for takeaway from The Dolphin Wine Room, or by the glass or carafe at The Dolphin, Icebergs Terrace and CicciaBella.