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Though it has a teensy foothold in the Central Coast of California, this wine varietal is almost exclusively grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. Elegant and floral, Arneis has only been gaining popularity, even in its' country of origin, over the past decade. It was mostly used before the 1980s as a softener for the region's resident big boy, Barolo. A grape prone to many problems in the vineyard, it almost became extinct. Now due to the efforts of producers like Bruno Giacosa, it has its' own DOC status in the Roero region and plantings are on the rise. You'll have to go to a true wine store to find it, but if you enjoy white wines it's worth the trouble. One of the more flavorful and classy Italy wines it usually runs in the $15-$25 range, more for the Giacosa, who is the king of this varietal – with good reason. Should be consumed within a year or two of the vintage to take advantage of its lively fruitiness. The best come from the Roero region.
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WHAT TO EXPECT: A light-medium bodied wine with delicate, floral aromas and flavors of apples, pears, peaches and herbs with a hint of almonds and occasionally some minerality. Medium-high acidity makes the wines crisp, clean and refreshing. Lovely as an aperitif or with lightly-flavored seafood dishes.
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 | 2009 Malvira Roero Arneis, Piedmonte, Italy | RATING: ** |
| 2008 Vietti Roero Arneis, Piedmont, Italy | RATING: * |
| 2006 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis, Piedmont, Italy | RATING: *** |
| 2006 Malvira Roero Arneis, Piedmonte, Italy | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Marco Porello Roero Arneis, Piedmonte, Italy | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Palmina Arneis, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
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**** Outstanding | *** Delicious | ** Enjoyable | * Drinkable
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