13/11/2023
Arneis: A captivating tale of history and resilience
The story of Arneis, a native white grape from Piedmont, Italy, is as intriguing as a passage from Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat." Wine historians debate its origins and names, but there's one thing they agree on: Arneis is a truly enchanting grape.
Despite sharing synonyms with other grapes, Arneis is genetically unique, far removed from its crimson cousin, Nebbiolo. Yet, a historic kinship ties the two together. For centuries, Arneis played a vital role in the Barolo region, softening the tannins and rough edges of Nebbiolo wines.
Known as Nebbiolo Bianco or "white Barolo," Arneis was interplanted with Nebbiolo, its alluring scent tempting birds away from the coveted Nebbiolo clusters. But as the 20th century dawned, Arneis faced an uncertain fate, teetering on the precipice of extinction.
Fortunately, in the 1970s, two producers, Bruno Giacosa and Vietti, kept the flame of Arneis alive. By the 1980s, a renaissance of interest in white wines of Piedmont had begun, and plantings of Arneis surged.
Today, Arneis is a thriving variety, particularly in the Roero and Langhe regions of Piedmont. It produces delicate wines with aromas of peach, apricot, and wildflowers, and flavors of pear, almond, and honey.
Taste this wonderful white today!
Discover the captivating history of Arneis wine, a tale as intriguing as a passage from Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat." From its humble beginnings as a softening agent for Barolo wines to its near-extinction in the 20th century, Arneis has proven to be a resilient and charming grape variety. Today,....
