Varietal Article
Arneis
Last edited on 4/20/2015 by ConstanceC
There are 4 versions of this article / View version history
Arneis a white grape variety indigenous to the Roero area of Piedmont.
Arneis, meaning "Little Rascal," was discovered in Roero in the 17th century, it wasn't until the 1980's that this grape was viewed as true quality when a few championing winemakers from Roero began increasing plantings and focusing on make quality wine. Before that, it was often called, "white nebbiolo" and was planted to distract birds from taking the Nebbiolo grapes and also blended into the Nebbiolo wines. Today there are 700 hectares of Arneis planted in Roero and more in Langhe.
A typical Arneis will be medium bodied, with medium acidity, and contains notes of notes of white peach, pear, and other stone fruits, citrus, and a distinct minerality, especially when grown on sandy soils. Best examples can age and develop nutty character, but many are meant to be consumed within three years.
Official designations:
Roero Arneis DOCG: Min 95% Arneis, min 11% abv.
Roero Arneis Spumante DOCG: Min 95% Arneis, can be made at any sweetness level, min 11.5% abv.
Langhe Arneis DOC: Must be 85% Arneis
Arneis is also grown in cooler climate areas such as Oregon.
More links:
Varietal character (Appellation America)
The Freshmaker (PA Vine Co)
Arneis, meaning "Little Rascal," was discovered in Roero in the 17th century, it wasn't until the 1980's that this grape was viewed as true quality when a few championing winemakers from Roero began increasing plantings and focusing on make quality wine. Before that, it was often called, "white nebbiolo" and was planted to distract birds from taking the Nebbiolo grapes and also blended into the Nebbiolo wines. Today there are 700 hectares of Arneis planted in Roero and more in Langhe.
A typical Arneis will be medium bodied, with medium acidity, and contains notes of notes of white peach, pear, and other stone fruits, citrus, and a distinct minerality, especially when grown on sandy soils. Best examples can age and develop nutty character, but many are meant to be consumed within three years.
Official designations:
Roero Arneis DOCG: Min 95% Arneis, min 11% abv.
Roero Arneis Spumante DOCG: Min 95% Arneis, can be made at any sweetness level, min 11.5% abv.
Langhe Arneis DOC: Must be 85% Arneis
Arneis is also grown in cooler climate areas such as Oregon.
More links:
Varietal character (Appellation America)
The Freshmaker (PA Vine Co)