Giovanni Almondo Roero Arneis Bricco della Ciliegie 2024

For decades, the Almondo family—now spearheaded by Domenico Almondo—has been the undisputed champion of the Arneis grape and their 2024 Roero Arneis “Bricco delle Ciliegie” or “Hilltop of the Cherries,” is a case in point. Named after the cherry orchards that used to blanket these steep, sandy slopes, several ancient, gnarly trees still remain scattered about the organically farmed Arneis vines today.

Fermented and aged using a combination of stainless steel, a touch of French oak, and Clayver ceramic vessels gives way to an Arneis rich in texture, tension, and terroir. Because it is often bottled under slight pressure to preserve its absolute freshness, don’t be surprised if you notice a very faint, tiny prickle of visual effervescence when you first open a young bottle. It opens up beautifully after a few minutes in the glass. It is a fantastic match for fresh seafood, herb-driven pasta dishes, or a plate of prosciutto.