From: Piedmont, Italy
Blend: Roero Arenas
Taste: The 2021 Brovia Roero Arneis is a product of sandy, south-facing slopes in the Roero district, home to vines averaging 45 years of age. This cherished grape, nurtured in limestone-clay, sand, and Tortonian marl soils, and meticulously harvested by hand, translates into a wine of vibrant finesse and character.
On the nose, it is mineral-driven and refreshingly clean, with fragrant notes of peach blossom, blanched almonds, and a zesty citrus hint. On the palate, it introduces mineral tones, balanced by citrus zest, crisp and lightly exotic fruit.
Pairing: The wine pairs beautifully with various dishes, particularly seared scallops with a citrus-infused butter sauce, garnished with toasted almonds or roasted chicken with pear and thyme stuffing, served alongside creamy risotto. These dishes will bring out the fruity and nutty notes of the wine, enhancing its dynamic flavor profile.
Fluke in Lemon Brodetto With Scallops and Squash
By Sam Sifton
About. Rooted in the heart of Italy's exquisite winemaking district of Castiglione Falletto, the Brovia estate carries a legacy of exceptional vintages that stretches back to its founding in 1863. Following a 30-year hiatus marked by phylloxera plague, economic unrest, and world wars, the winery was rejuvenated in 1953 by Giacinto and Raffaele Brovia, grandchildren of the founder. The torch has been passed to the fourth generation under the watchful stewardship of Giacinto's daughter, Elena, and her husband, Alex Sanchez.
True to the vision of their ancestors, the Brovias have invested in some of the finest vineyards in Piedmont, focusing their efforts on their home village and the nearby Serralunga d'Alba. They are committed to organic farming and rigorous soil analysis, ensuring optimal vine health and yield. The harvest, carried out entirely by hand, typically starts in late September and continues into mid-October for their exquisite Baroli.
One of the crowning jewels in their collection is the 2021 Brovia Roero Arneis, a delightful expression of the "little rascal" Arneis grape. Grown primarily in the Roero region - Italy's gem of viticulture nestled just across the Tanaro River from the illustrious Barolo and Barbaresco - the Arneis grape has transitioned from near extinction post-WWII to becoming the region's most esteemed white grape.
Wine aficionados appreciate the traditional winemaking techniques employed at Brovia. Grapes are gently crushed before fermentation and allowed a brief skin maceration before being moved to stainless-steel tanks for fermentation. The wine remains on its fine lees until assembly prior to bottling, further enhancing the wine's complexity and texture.
