Giovanni Almondo is the "reference point producer for Arneis," said Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media. I agree with him, and their single vineyard Bricco delle Ciliegie is the best bottle of Arneis I've ever had.....and I've had a few : )
The Arneis grape is native to Italy's Piemonte region, and it has long been hailed as one of the country's top native white varieties. Almondo's Bricco delle Ciliegie always pushes the grape to its highest quality levels, and the 2024 is no exception.
Antonio Galloni had great things to say about it, rating it 93 points, his highest-rated Arneis of the vintage....
"The 2024 Roero Arneis Bricco delle Ciliegie is terrific. Creamy and layered in the glass, the 2024 is laced with apricot, chamomile dried flowers and hint of spice, all of which fill out the mid-palate nicely. Bricco delle Ciliegie remains a reference point."
While the Almondo Family has a deeply-rooted history in the region, dating back to the 14th century, their attitude towards winemaking is anything but antiquated. They are fans of modern technology in the vineyard and the cellar, but they also have a firm respect for the traditions of Italy's Piemonte region.....as you can see above, they still hand-pick their grapes.
In addition, all of their vineyards are certified organic, and their Bricco delle Ciliegie is named for a cherry orchard that used to surround the vineyard which produces this gorgeous white. Produced from old vines grown in sand, limestone, and clay soils, this is brought up entirely in stainless steel, with 10 months of lees aging in tank.
The finished wine shows the virtues of these deeply-rooted vines, displaying pure notes of Bosc pear, ripe citrus, white flowers, complex spices, and vibrant minerality. Fresh and bright on the palate, there's wonderful concentration to the layered and assertive flavors, and the finish is long and focused, with wonderful intensity to the fruit and mineral flavors.
If you couldn't tell, I'm kind of enamored with this wine, and it is a wonderful chance to drink one of the best versions of a grape at a more than reasonable price. There aren't many other grapes I could say that about.....
Drink it with light and herb-y dishes like pesto pasta, grilled vegetables, and herb-roasted chicken. Enjoy 2026 through 2031.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
