2020 Roero Arneis, Vietti
'Consistently offers exceptional value and quality'
£95 per 6 bottle case in bond
A straightforward offer for you, but one that should appeal if you are looking for an interesting, characterful white with a point of difference.
Arneis is a lesser-known white grape variety grown in Piemonte, in north-western Italy. I would suggest that the vast majority of production lacks any real distinction, but it is a different story when produced by top estates like Vietti, where it is capable of producing terrific everyday drinking wines.
Arneis can be a tricky varietal to grow, hence its name in dialect, literally ‘little rascal’. It performs best on the lighter, sand-over-limestone soils of Roero on the northern bank of the river Tanaro opposite the town of Alba, and is therefore most often labelled as Roero Arneis. It prefers north-facing slopes, protected from the afternoon heat as these slopes encourage gradual ripening without the loss of either acidity or aromatics.
Arneis is not particularly high in acidity…it is fresh, but tends to be in a softer, more rounded style. Some styles can lack expression, others are a little honeyed and lack a certain energy. However, if yields are restrained and if it is grown in the conditions detailed above, it offers plenty of interest, surprising quality and very good value for money.
I have tasted many vintages of Vietti’s Arneis and it has always come through well. However, Simon tasted the 2020 recently and reported that it was comfortably the best vintage of this wine he had tasted, with more zip and definition than past vintages. Regrettably, I have not yet tasted this vintage (though bottles are on their way to the office to rectify this), so I have included Simon’s tasting note below.
2020 Roero Arneis, Vietti
£95 per 6 bottle case in bond
The 2020 Arneis from Vietti captures that delicious juicy nectarine and peach fruit, with a touch of peach kernel. On the palate, there is a subtle nutty, almond-like touch. Tangy and juicy to the last, what stands out to me is the purity of the fruit; fresh and clean and unhampered by oak. Whilst it is not a complicated wine, it is very well made and incredibly appealing. There is something that reminds me of a white Rhône blend; similarities with Marsanne and Roussanne, even the fruit characters of Viognier, just without the viscosity. A fantastic everyday drinking wine that is sure to bring great enjoyment. Drink now until 2024 (SL)
Whilst we have a handful of cases in stock and immediately available, the majority of the stock will be available for delivery in three weeks' time.
Please let us know of your interest.
Best wishes
Laura
