Giovanni Almondo 'Bricco delle Ciliegie' - Roero Arneis

2020

Arneis

Roero, Piedmont, Italy

While Barolo and Barbaresco are the most well-known regions within Italy's Piedmont region, don't sleep on Roero! This smaller appellation directly north of its infamous siblings is home to not only elegant, approachable Nebbiolo, but is the the homeland of a lesser known white grape called Arneis. The name 'Arneis' comes from an old Piemontese phrase that means "difficult person" or "little rascal" - and as you might expect, this grape is not always easy to work with. Its acidity can drop quickly, calling for precision and knowledge in the vineyard to ensure both full ripeness without loss of too much acidity. The Almondo family, however, has been making wine for 600 years in the Roero and has mastered perfect vinification of Arneis as well as developed an intimate familiarity with the local terroir. Flavors and aromas of ripe apricot and pear, ginger, white flowers and a touch of almond dominate the palate, making this wine a great partner to prosciutto, soft cheeses or crudite platters.