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A beautifully balanced expression of Piedmont's native grape, the bright and refreshing 91 pt. 2021 Paolo Conterno Arneis A Val offers fragrant vibrant fruit hinting of crushed stone with brisk acidity on a layered, creamy finish, an enticing, unoaked dry Italian white wine from a small, family run producer that's affordably priced to enjoy often.
Known for its century long history of producing vineyard driven Barolo in the Piedmont, the Paolo Conterno winery in Monforte d'Alba is run by fourth generation winemaker Giorgio Conterno, crafting the 2021 Arneis a Val from their estate vineyard in the Roero DOCG. Falling out of favor with producers in the early 1970's as a finicky grape that's difficult to grow, the renewed interest in cultivating and vinifying Arneis has been driven by improvements in viticulture and winemaking that have transformed it from "the little rascal" as it is known in Italian to producing Conterno's rich and aromatic single varietal 2021 Arneis a Val. Sourced from steep hillside vineyards on the left bank of the Tanaro River, the vines are planted mainly in calcareous soils mixed with sand at 190 to 300 meters above sea level, averaging around 30 years of age and enjoying a southeast to southwest exposure favorable for even ripening. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its brightness and pure fruit flavors, the harmonious 2021 Paolo Conterno Arneis A Val balances fragrant layers of fresh fruit with zesty acidity, yielding a versatile white wine that's easily enjoyed alone or with food.
Described by Antonio Galloni of Vinous as crafting wines that are "incredibly appealing," the enticing 91 pt. 2021 Paolo Conterno Arneis A Val offers a winning combination of fresh delicate fruit with racy acidity that lovers of crisp white wines will reach for again and again, available at a terrific bargain price making it an easy choice for stocking the cooler. |