A refreshing wine from the finest hillside vineyards in Roero with intense aromas of mint and juniper and a dry, salty and steely finish.

Producer Note

Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont's truly great winemakers. The family owns 60 hectares of vineyard in three of the classic growing areas - Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi and have access to a further 50 hectares through long-term relationships with their growers. Michele has insisted on total quality since his first vintage in 1956, an ethos which his sons Stefano and Alberto adopt today. The Chiarlo style is highly elegant, they make complex wines that can age for decades but above all reflect their provenance - some of the finest vineyard sites in Piedmont.

Vintage

2017 saw a mild winter with less than average rainfall, which led to limited soil water reserves. Mild spring temperatures set the growing season off early. Roero managed to escape the April frosts which led to significant frost damage in some areas. The summer was dry, temperatures stabilised and the growth cycle continued. Harvest took place earlier than usual and the quality of the grapes was high.

Vineyard

These Arneis grapes are grown in the finest hillside vineyards in Roero, Piedmont. The small hillside plot, is situated on south facing hillside on the left bank of the Tanaro River, directly across from the Barbaresco zone, on the river's right bank. The Arneis is a delicate variety that is now enjoying something of a revival having been rescued from the verge of extinction. The vines thrive in the calcareous marl and sandy soils with traces of clay that are found in this carefully selected plot.

Winemaking

Fermentation took place with natural yeasts in small temperature controlled stainless steel vats at 16 to 18°C preserving the aromatic and perfumed characteristics of this variety. The wine rested in tank for a further three months on the lees, which imparted texture and complexity to the wine, prior to being bottled.

Tasting Note

A refreshing wine from the finest hillside vineyards in Roero, delivering notes of peach, tropical fruits and acacia flower. Elegant and silky on the palate with a balanced and a dry, savoury finish.

Serving Suggestion

Enjoy with simple fish dishes, antipasti and asparagus.

Grape

Arneis 100%