Garry and Rollo Crittenden are dedicated vignerons who channel their efforts into producing small batches of fine wine. Arneis is a rare varietal originating from Piedmonte in northwest Italy which came close to extinction. Crittenden was the first commercially released Arneis made in the southern hemisphere. A backbone of fruit is sourced from good vineyards in the King Valley which is a region endowed with a climate almost identical to Piedmont. An addition from Crittenden's site in Mornington contributes vibrant fruit characters and aromatics.

Sourced from fine vineyards under contract in King Valley, the remainder from the Crittenden property at Dromana, all parcels are picked by hand. Grapes are transported to the Crittenden wineworks where they are processed as whole bunches through an airbag press. Juices are settled without enzymes for twenty four hours and racked to controlled fermenters. Vinifications are limited to moderate temperatures of 16C for up to three weeks until batches are completely dry. The fermented wine then spends some time in tank on lees to impart texture and infuse complexity. Treated to a term of age unoaked and without any malolactic, Pinocchio is filtered after a few months and made ready for bottling.