2011 Brovia, Roero Arneis, Piedmonte, Italy.
This is an almost perfect example of this varietal, and it is a spectacular white wine that shows amazing detail and gives delightful pleasure in a clean and vibrant way. Arneis is a somewhat rare local grape grown in Italy’s northwest in the famed Piedmonte region and in some cases it can achieve greatness worthy of a nickname like “The White Barolo” and while that might be pushing it somewhat, I certainly think this 2011 Brovia is a stunning wine that deserves lots of attention. The nose is minerally with hints of anise and white flowers plus a burst of citrus that flows on palate with vigorous force along with white peach and melon, but it is the chalky mineral and wet stone that bring your senses to life along with lingering lemon/lime and a hint of verbena cream. Brovia has nailed it, this pure and chablis like wine delivers everything you’d expect and more, and should drink well now through 2015 at least.
($28 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
