Malvira, Arneis, Roero, Piedmont, Italy 2024

Giuseppe Damonte started the winery in Roero, north of Alba in the heart of Piedmont in the 1950s. The winery was later renamed Malvirá- translating to "northern exposure courtyard," which is rather unusual, as courtyards typically are facing south. His sons, Roberto and Massimo joined Giuseppe and now they are joined by the 3rd generation of winemakers. 

The Damonte brothers are some of the fiercest advocates for Arneis, with some notable holdings. They expanded their vineyard holdings with the purchase of the Renesio vineyard- the same sight that Arneis was first identified in 1478. 

In 2007 they also added Barolo into their holdings with the addition of the Boiolo vineyard and converted to organic and sustainable viticulture in 2017. 

The Wine

Soft pressing at cool temperatures to retain freshness, and vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks. The wine is typically aged in tanks for 4- 8 months, producing a fresh and bright style of Arneis. 

Arneis

Light bodied variety, mostly grown in Roero and the neighboring Terre Alfieri, north of the Tanaro river on chalky and clay soils. Arneis is variety that is very hard to grow and it almost faced extinction in the 1960s, until a number of prominent winemakers started working with the variety in the likes of Alfredo Currado (owner of Vietti at the time), Bruno Giacosa and Giovanni Negro. 

Wines made with Arneis, tend to have aromas of peach, citrus, sweet almond and floral notes, with creaminess on the palate. Elevated acidity provides lift and freshness- which made Arneis one of the most popular white wines in the 1980s. 

There are two DOCGs allowing Arneis (also, they both allow Nebbiolo for red wine production) Roero Arneis DOCG and Terre Alfieri DOCG. 

Roero DOCG

North of Alba, Roero produces some of the most notable examples of Arneis and fresh, lighter style of Nebbiolo. One of the two Piedmontese DOCGs to allow varietal red and white wines- the other one is the neighboring Terre Alfieri to the east. 

On the western part of the Tanaro River with sandy soils, producing early-maturing Nebbiolo. Most producers however, tend to use the more marketable Langhe Nebbiolo designation for their red wines. 

By far the most important grape for the area is Arneis, producing refreshing, light bodied wines with plump, creamy texture. 

Some of the most notable producers of Roero are Malvirá, Ca' Rossa and Bruno Giacosa.