Michele Chiarlo Le Madri Roero Arneis 2023

Arneis (pronounced “ahr-NAYS”) is translated from Italian as “naughty boy” or “little rascal” — so named by the farmers who find it difficult to grow. Where it grows best and almost exclusively is in the Roero (row-AIR-oh) hills of Piedmont, Italy — which is much more famous for reds such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera. For centuries, Arneis was known in Piedmont as “white Barolo,” and planted between rows of Nebbiolo (the grape of Barolo and Barbaresco) in part as a sacrificial offering to draw predatory birds and insects away from more the highly-prized Nebbiolo. Today, less than 3000 acres of Arneis are grown around the globe– about 2800 of those acres in Italy — making it one of the rarest grapes in the world.

This rarity would be why you’ve never seen, heard of, or tasted Arneis. You are in for a delightful discovery! Highly respected wine critics have called Roero Arneis one of the most delicious white wines from Italy (you can look it up!). Consider it “Pinot Grigio on steroids,” as it is refreshing, clean, crisp, and food-friendly — yet, it’s so much more. Arneis has a more intense aroma, more body, and richer flavors. Michele Chiarlo “Le Madri” (translation: “the mothers”)  bursts with vibrant aromas of peach, honeydew melon, tropical fruits, acacia flower and a hint of hazelnut. These notes carry into the flavor, which also features tangy lime and apricot. Please ensure you drink this cool — not ice-cold — or you may miss this complexity.  Enjoy it on its own or as the Italians do — with food! It pairs wonderfully with salads, pasta, risotto, chicken, pork, and seafood — especially dishes accented with roasted fruits, nuts, citrus, or fragrant herbs like sage or thyme. Perfect pairing? Seared scallops with a citrus-infused butter sauce, garnished with toasted almonds.

Pronounced Mik-KELLY key-AHR-lo row-EHR-oh ahr-NAYS