Ceretto Langhe Arneis Blangè 2024

The Ceretto - Langhe Arneis Blangè cuvée comes from the Roero, on the left bank of the Tanaro, facing the Langhe, north of Alba, in Piedmont. The Arneis vines are spread across the communes of Vezza d'Alba, Castellinaldo and Alba, on hillsides with the light, sandy soils typical of this area. The continental climate, with hot summers tempered by cool nights, preserves the aromatic brilliance of this native white grape, long overshadowed by Piedmont's great reds.

The Arneis grapes, organically farmed, are harvested when ripe then gently pressed, after brief skin contact to bring out the primary aromas. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in stainless-steel tanks. The wine is then clarified and bottled young, without any contact with oak, in order to preserve the purity of fruit, the freshness and the mineral tension that are the signature of this cuvée.

This wine reveals notes of ripe pear, green apple, peach, tropical fruit, acacia blossom, hawthorn, mint and fresh almond. Crunchy fruit and white flowers come together with a mineral touch. The fresh, flavourful palate is fluid and balanced, carried by harmonious acidity and a persistent finish with hints of citrus.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!