Flavoursome, creamy textured Arneis with notes of jasmine and honeysuckle

Arneis is an incredibly refreshing and light wine. It comes from Roero DOCG – a protected denomination in Piemonte. DOCG is the highest level of quality in Italy, one step above DOC. Thanks to its elegant taste, Arneis is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Customers are turning away from full-bodied, oak-aged whites in favour of lighter and more refined alternatives and Arneis is just the ticket.

Paolo Demarie’s vineyard is situated in Vezza d’Alba in Roero, just fifteen minutes north of Alba. The soil here is a mixture of white sand and clay. It produces grapes with fresh and fruity flavours, which are best enjoyed when they’re young.

Winemaking

This wine is made in an unoaked style. First, the grapes are gently pressed, after which the juice is cooled with dry ice and left in contact with the skins for 24 to 36 hours. This is done to extract flavour and develop some body and texture. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks, and bottled as fast as possible to preserve the delicate aromas.

Tasting notes

Medium lemon colour. On the nose, this Roero Arneis has delicate aromas of honeysuckle, elderflower, apricot stone and minerals, with elegant notes of jasmine and acacia flowers. In the mouth, it’s dry and very refreshing thanks to high acidity, with medium alcohol and medium body.

Wine Geek’s verdict

To me, this wine is ideal for pairing with food that has a light-ish taste too – anything from chicken breast, to white fish, to scallops or oysters. With those types of food, I wouldn’t drink Riesling or Sauvignon Blank; they’re too dominating. Arneis would be just right.

Awards

James Suckling – 91 points (2019 vintage) | Luca Maroni – 90 points (2019 vintage) | Vini Buoni d’Italia 2020 – Golden Star  (2018 vintage) | I Vini di Veronelli 2020 – 2 stars (2018 vintage)