Almondo Arneis Vigne Sparse 2018

The sandy soil of north Piemonte is home to the appellation Roero and the indigenous variety, Arneis. Stefano Almondo is a master of the rare variety, crafting aromatic and mineral wines that rival any of the best white wines in Italy. Few in the northern corner of Italy create memorable white wines quite like the Almondo family.

The 2018 Almondo Arneis Vigne Sparse is an electric white wine, the perfect complement to briny seafood or my favorite, clam pizza. This is the base white wine at the domaine; many of you know the fantastic single vineyard Bricco delle Ciliegie. Vigne Sparse is a blend of parcels, from younger vines, meant for earlier and more casual drinking. The 2018 has soaring, high toned aromatics with juicy peachy fruit and a stony mineral freshness that makes it so good with any rich food.

It’s a great choice for a house white, flat out delicious by itself as an aperitif or a terrific complement to just about anything fried or from the sea. Almondo makes some of the best white wines in Italy; his Tuesday nighter Vigne Sparse is a perfect wine for the Indian summer outdoor dining, don’t miss it!