Giovanni Almondo "Vigne Sparse" Roero Arneis '22

The Roero wine-producing region lies across the Tanaro river from the celebrated red-wine appellations of Barolo and Barbaresco. It’s the home of Arneis (“little rascal” in Piemontese), a grape that is indigenous to this area of Piedmont, and one that was nearly extinct just a few decades ago. 
 
At their estate (named after Domenico’s father), Domenico Almondo and his sons Stefano and Federico Roero make Arneis that shows the classic herb and stone fruit notes of the variety. The fruit is harvested from three different estate vineyards, hence the name “Vigne Sparse” (“scattered vineyards”), with soils of both sand and clay. The farming is certified organic, and the vines were planted in the 1990s. 
 
“Vigne Sparse” is fermented at low temperatures and aged in stainless steel tanks, with six months on the fine lees. The wine shows aromas of citrus rind, apricot, herbs, almond, and wet stones on the nose. On the palate, it is medium bodied, dry, and bright, with a round finish. This is a great white to pair with roasted white meats and an herb-heavy stuffing or a creamy risotto; or butter-and-herb shellfish dishes as well.