Vietti Roero Arneis 2023

Bart here. Arneis, previously referred to as white Nebbiolo, was almost lost to history.  It was largely a blending grape, almost more difficult than it was worth. Re- introduced in the 1960’s with renewed vigor in Piedmont, Italy, this presentation is 100% Arneis.  

These grapes are lightly pressed and fermented slowly in stainless steel.  This preserves freshness, a slight effervescence, and clear clean fruit presentation. This wine remains on the lees for several months and never sees malolactic fermentation, ensuring the crisp nature of this wine. This wine is beautiful to behold, with a light to straw yellow color. Fresh, floral aromas leap from the glass before you are ready to more seriously examine it. This is followed by soft citrus, ripe melon, and clay mineral notes.   On the palate it is dry, light to medium bodied, crisp and clean.  It’s layered over a strong, acidic backbone, leaving its lines clean, but not too tight. It is described as balanced, complex (for a light white) and elegant. We shared this wine on our deck with family, a perfect aperitif with light hors d’oeuvres. It was a cool, sunny afternoon with a light breeze, only highlighted by this spectacular presentation of Arneis. My brother-in-law Brian, generally a Bourbon drinker, may have said it best, “This is a wine I would drink. We need to get some for the house!”  Enough said! I will put more in my cellar as well.