Archive: Italy: Piedmont: White & Sparkling
Bruno Giacosa 2001 Roero Arneis ($22). From a spectacular Piedmont Barolo producer comes this easy-to-like Arneis. Rich orchard fruit and almond notes on a creamy frame, picking up a touch of citrus on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/03)
Ceretto
2001 Moscato d’Asti I Vignaioli di Santo Stefano ($20). Semi-sweet and medium bodied, offering delicate floral, melon and apple aromas and flavors, with an appealing mineral note on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/03)
2000 Moscato d’Asti I Vignaioli di Santo Stefano ($18). Absolutely love this wine! Off-dry and fizzy, bursting with concentrated peach, apricot and tangerine fruits with just a touch of toasted almond. Terrific value at this price. Ready to drink now. (Party Planning, 12/01)
Cinzano
NV Brachetto d’Acqui ($15). Light ruby red in color, soft, sweet, juicy, lightly creamy — imagine perfectly ripe strawberries and raspberries touched with cream, and you’re pretty close. Low in alcohol (just 6.5% abv) it’s silly and romantic — perfect for Valentine’s Day, and delicious with chocolates. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-04)
NV Asti ($12). Soft and frankly sweet, with luscious melon and juicy peach flavors. Try with gorgonzola drizzled with honey for a simple dessert. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-28)
NV Asti ($12). Sweet and frothy, a little simple, but likeable somehow. This actually works quite nicely with desserts. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-27)
Michele Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti Nivole NV ($13). One of my current favorite wines! This light sparkler is just sweet enough, never cloying. Very nicely balanced, with candied orange peel, floral, and light peach notes. For a change of pace from port, reach for this to serve with Stilton or other blue cheeses. Heavenly! (Robyn’s Picks, 10/99)
Monchiero Carbone 1999 Roero Arneis ($12). If you’ve never experienced Arneis, you simply must try this one. Arneis is a white varietal wine that is delicate and crisp, typically showing apple, almond, and a touch of citrus. It is refreshing and delightful as an aperitif. This Monchiero Carbone is a nice example and a good place to start. It is quite dry, medium bodied, and value priced. Pair it with mixed nuts, olives, and savory crackers at cocktail time. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)
Vigne Regali 2007 Gavi Principessa ($17). The bottle doesn’t inspire much confidence for some reason, but I ended up enjoying this uncomplicated spritzer. Easy, lemony, with some light-bodied apple fruit — it’s a fun little quaffer. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-27)