Arneis

Arneis is a historic white grape variety native to Piedmont, Italy, primarily cultivated in the Roero region, where it thrives in the sandy soils and rolling hills. Known for producing aromatic and elegant white wines, Arneis stands out in a region predominantly famous for its reds, such as Barolo and Barbaresco.

By the 1960s, Arneis was on the brink of extinction due to several challenges, including rural depopulation, economic struggles in the wine industry, and a stronger focus on Piedmont's red grape varieties. However, a handful of visionary winemakers recognized its potential and began replanting and refining the grape, bringing it back into prominence as a high-quality white wine from Piedmont. In recent years, wineries have intensified their efforts to enhance Arneis wine quality through clonal selection and innovative winemaking techniques. This has resulted in wines with greater depth, structure, and consistency, solidifying Arneis as an outstanding Italian white wine. While Piedmont remains the heartland of Arneis production, its proximity to Liguria has led to small but notable plantings in that region as well.

Arneis wines are celebrated for their floral and fruity aromas, often featuring notes of white peach, pear, citrus, and almond, along with a characteristic minerality. Typically medium-bodied with balanced acidity, Arneis wines offer a refreshing alternative for white wine lovers seeking something beyond the usual Italian varietals.

With its fascinating history, ongoing evolution, and increasing popularity, Arneis has firmly reestablished itself as one of Italy’s most exciting white grape varieties.