Giovanni Almondo Bricco delle Ciliegie 2023
Category | White Wine |
Varietal | |
Brand | Giovanni Almondo |
Origin | Italy, Piedmont, Roero |
It's been said that the true value of a winemaker can be found on the dining room table of another. When meeting with producers, it is always illustrative to see what wines they are pouring at home. Time and again, when speaking with different Italian wine producers, Domenico Almondo and his wines are mentioned. And that is just about the greatest reference any winemaker can receive. (In fact, Gianlucca Grasso trades bottles of his superb Barolos for Domenico's stellar Bricco delle Ciliegie Arneis.)
The Almondo family has grown grapes in Roero for over 300 years. Though, it wasn't until 1980 that Domenico made the decision to bottle his own wine. More importantly, he made the ground-breaking choice to craft top-flight white wine in a region nearly completely devoted to the production of red. Today, Domenico organically farms the sandy hillside soils of Roero, along with his two sons, Federico and Stefano, producing world-class Arneis, along with Nebbiolo, Brachetto and a small bit of Barbera.
Giovanni Almondo's Bricco delle Ciliegie is named for the cherry orchard that used to surround the vineyard which produces this gorgeous white. The deeply-rooted vines are grown on predominantly sandy soils, interspersed with calcareous clay. This Roero Arneis is absolutely stunning. Aromas of ripe pear, white flowers and spice tantalize the nose. The palate is fresh, displaying vibrant minerality and tight acidity, and is balanced by a creamy texture that allows for all the complex flavors to reach every part of the mouth. The finish is long and subtle with just the right focus, intensity of fruit and mineral flavors. Pair with a wide range of foods from grilled and marinated vegetables to fresh pasta with butter and sage to roasted poultry dishes.