The Wine Reference🍷 SupportArneis grape
Arneis is a white grape known for pear, peach, almond. Its best-known homes are Piedmont.
Origin and history
An old Piedmontese variety from the Roero hills; its name means 'little rascal' in local dialect, a nod to how tricky it is to grow.
Where it grows
Roero (Roero Arneis DOCG) on the left bank of the Tanaro, Langhe DOC, and small plantings in Liguria, Australia and California.
Structure
Medium body, soft medium acidity and a round, slightly creamy texture; dry and usually unoaked.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: pear, white peach, apricot, chamomile and a bitter-almond finish. With age: honey, hazelnut and dried herbs.
Ageing
Drink within 1–3 years; top Roero Riserva can develop for around 5–7 years.
Also known as
Bianchetta, Nebbiolo Bianco.
Good to know
Once blended into Nebbiolo to soften it, Arneis almost vanished by the 1970s until producers such as Vietti and Bruno Giacosa revived it as a varietal wine.
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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