Cascina Ca' Rossa Le Coste Arneis Roero 2021

Arneis is an ancient grape hailing from the Roero hills of Italy's Piemonte region. It translates to "the little rascal" since it has a reputation for being a difficult grape to grow - one that will first test the grower's patience and then the winemaker's. For some time, growers in the region planted Arneis solely surrounding the Nebbiolo vines to divert plant predators. The intense and attractive aromas lured birds and insects to the Arneis, protecting the Nebbiolo from being eaten. When all goes according to plan for the grower and vintner, the white wines made from the Arneis grape are dry yet refreshing and full-bodied with notes of pears, apricots, and toasted almonds.

Located in the center of the northwest Italian region of Piedmont, Roero boasts two distinguishing geographic and geologic characteristics that influence the vines. First are the rolling, rounded hills packed densely together that formed almost 100,000 years ago when the Tanaro River changed its course. When planted on north-facing slopes, Arneis benefits from these hillsides blocking the hot afternoon sunlight so the grapes can evenly ripen and maintain acidity. And millennia before the river course changed, the area was part of an ancient seabed called the Golfo Padano. The left-behind soils are predominantly sand and nutrient-poor, which lends to aromatically powerful wines.

Cascina Ca Rossa is famous for the estate's award-winning wines and its gregarious and determined proprietor, Angelo Ferrio. His generous heart and infectious joy immediately welcome those who meet Angelo. Some might say his enthusiasm is as stimulating as the 100% Arneis from his Le Coste vineyard. When Angelo took over the estate from his parents, he transitioned back to organic practices for all four plots. If you ask him why, he'll tell you, "because it's the easiest thing in the world-it's the way my grandparents farmed so many years ago. Chemicals have been used as a substitute for hard work, but the vineyards and mankind are alive and ultimately tied to nature. So, with thoughtful consideration we return to the simple and natural." He ages 60% of the Arneis in stainless steel tank and 40% in oak casks with batonnage for one year. This wine is a warm Summer day with touches of toasted hazelnut, just-picked yellow peaches, and jasmine flowers on the nose. Minerality lingers on the structured palate with a clear line of acidity that runs through the lasting finish.