Arneis

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Green-yellow
Skin Thickness: Medium
Ripening: Early to mid-season
Vigor: Moderate
Yield: Moderate (irregular)
Name Meaning: “Little rascal” (difficult variety)

Overview

Arneis is Piedmont’s most important indigenous white grape variety, producing aromatic, delicate wines from the sandy hills of the Roero, across the Tanaro River from Barolo and Barbaresco. The variety’s name, meaning “little rascal” in Piedmontese dialect, reflects its historically difficult nature in the vineyard. Nearly extinct by the 1970s, Arneis was saved by a handful of dedicated producers and has since become one of Italy’s most successful white wine revivals. For enologists, Arneis represents an important case study in variety preservation and the production of aromatic white wines from challenging indigenous grapes.

Etymology and History

Name Origin

Arneis: Piedmontese dialect for “little rascal” or “difficult one”

Reference: The variety’s challenging viticulture

Alternative: “Nebbiolo Bianco” (historical; now abandoned)

Historical Development

Ancient Roero cultivation
Traditional use as “bird bait” to protect Nebbiolo
Near extinction by 1970s (only 2 hectares remained)
Revival led by Vietti, Bruno Giacosa, others
DOCG recognition for Roero Arneis (2004)
Modern international success

The Revival Story

Crisis Point: Nearly extinct by late 1970s

Saviors: Vietti (Alfredo Currado), Bruno Giacosa

Catalyst: Recognition of quality potential

Result: From 2 hectares to 1,000+ hectares

Viticulture

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Moderate vigor

Leaf Shape: Medium; five-lobed

Cluster: Medium; loose to compact

Berry: Medium; round; golden when ripe

Growing Requirements

Climate: Continental; warm summers

Soil Preference: Sandy soils (Roero’s signature)

Challenge: Irregular production; coulure

Training: Guyot typical

Phenological Stages

Stage	Timing
Bud break	Mid-April
Flowering	Late May-early June
Véraison	Early August
Harvest	Early-mid September

The “Rascal” Reputation

Challenges:

Coulure (flower drop)
Irregular yields
Disease susceptibility
Requires careful attention

Modern Progress: Better understanding; more reliable

Wine Profile

Appearance

Color: Pale straw to light gold
Intensity: Light to medium
Evolution: Best consumed young

Aromatic Profile

Primary Aromas:

White flowers (acacia, elderflower)
Stone fruit (peach, apricot)
Almond (varietal marker)
Pear, apple
Chamomile

Secondary:

Herbal notes
Light honey
Mineral

Palate Characteristics

Structure:

Light to medium body
Moderate acidity
Slight almond bitterness (characteristic)
Fresh, aromatic

Texture: Soft; round; delicate

Finish: Medium; bitter almond note

Regional Expression

Roero Arneis DOCG

Status: Premier designation (DOCG 2004)

Terroir: Sandy Roero hills

Character: Aromatic; delicate; almond

Requirements: 100% Arneis

Langhe Arneis DOC

Coverage: Broader Langhe area

Style: Similar; sometimes lighter

Quality: Variable; value option

Winemaking Considerations

Fermentation

Temperature: Cool (14-18°C)

Duration: Standard

Vessel: Stainless steel dominant

Goal: Preserve aromatics; freshness

Oxidation Management

Sensitivity: Moderate oxidation risk

Approach: Protective winemaking

Result: Fresh, aromatic wines

Oak Usage

Traditional: No oak (standard)

Modern Exception: Some barrel-fermented versions

Philosophy: Variety expression priority

Aging

Style: Best young (1-3 years)

Exception: Premium examples (3-5 years)

Character: Fresh; immediate appeal

Food Pairing

Traditional Matches

Piedmontese Cuisine:

Vitello tonnato
Carne cruda (raw beef)
Fresh pasta with butter/sage
Bagna cauda
Light antipasti

Role: Starter wine; appetizer pairing

Modern Applications

Seafood: Light fish; shellfish

Asian Cuisine: Delicate dishes

Summer Dining: Excellent aperitif

Temperature: Well-chilled (8-10°C)

Key Producers

Quality Leaders

Vietti: Revival pioneer
Bruno Giacosa: Historic quality
Ceretto (Blangé): Popular quality
Matteo Correggia: Estate excellence
Negro Angelo: Roero specialist

Other Notable Producers

Deltetto: Quality producer
Malvirà: Roero specialist
Monchiero Carbone: Quality range

Market Position

Production Statistics

Roero Plantings: ~1,000+ hectares

Trend: Stable; quality focus

Export: Growing international presence

Pricing

Level	Price (€)
Entry	€8-14
Quality DOCG	€14-22
Premium	€20-35

Market Position

Recognition: Growing international acclaim

Strength: Aromatic; food-friendly; value

Competition: Other Italian whites

Comparison with Piedmont Whites

Variety	Character	Body	Aging
Arneis	Floral, almond	Light-medium	Short
Cortese	Citrus, mineral	Light	Short
Timorasso	Complex, mineral	Medium-full	Long
Favorita	Fresh, light	Light	Short

The Almond Note

Characteristic Element

Expression: Bitter almond finish

Origin: Phenolic compounds

Perception: Varietal marker

Quality Indicator: Present in good examples

Preservation Success

From Near-Extinction to DOCG

1970s: 2 hectares remained

1990s: Revival underway

2004: DOCG recognition

Present: 1,000+ hectares; international acclaim

Lessons

Dedicated Producers: Essential for revival

Quality Focus: Justifies preservation

Market Demand: Supports continued cultivation

Conclusion

Arneis represents one of Italian wine’s great revival stories—a variety saved from near-extinction that has become Piedmont’s most important white grape. For enologists, Arneis demonstrates the importance of preserving indigenous varieties and the rewards of working with challenging grapes that produce distinctive wines. The variety’s aromatic character, delicate texture, and characteristic almond note create wines that pair beautifully with Piedmontese cuisine while offering international appeal. From just two hectares to DOCG status, Arneis stands as proof that quality-focused viticulture can revive and celebrate threatened wine heritage.

References

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
Bastianich, J. & Lynch, D. (2005). “Vino Italiano.” Clarkson Potter. Publisher Link
VIVC Database. Variety Information.

Last updated: January 13, 2026