FRUSTÉ Roero Arneis DOCG 2023 (3 bottles)

"Frusté" Roero Arneis DOCG 2023 / Vinchio Vaglio / Piedmont

Container of 3 bottles

White wine from Italy

The “Frusté” Roero Arneis DOCG 2023 from Vinchio Vaglio is a characterful white wine from Piedmont that captures the finesse of the native Arneis grape in its purest expression. This offering comprises a set of three 0.75-litre bottles – ideal for sharing, cellaring, or savouring across multiple occasions.

Founded in 1959 through the union of the villages Vinchio and Vaglio Serra, the Vinchio Vaglio cooperative is renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and sustainable viticulture. Its members share a passion for crafting wines that authentically reflect both the terroir and the distinctive traits of each grape variety.

Affectionately known as “the little difficult one,” the Arneis grape hails from the Roero region in the northeast of Cuneo province. Its cultivation demands particular care, earning it great respect among winemakers. Historically, it was often planted among more prized varieties to distract birds and insects – a testament to its aromatic allure and resilience. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of Piedmont’s white wine heritage.

The grapes for “Frusté” are sourced from southwest-facing vineyards with sandy soils at around 250 metres altitude. Trained using the Guyot system, the vines benefit from optimal sunlight exposure and aromatic development. Harvesting is carried out by hand in the cool morning hours of early September to preserve freshness and fruit integrity. Transported in small crates, the delicate berries arrive at the cellar in pristine condition.

Vinification begins with gentle whole-cluster pressing and the separation of clear and cloudy must. After a 24-hour static clarification at 14°C, fermentation proceeds slowly under reductive conditions at 17°C over 15 days. The wine then matures on fine lees until March, with regular bâtonnage enhancing depth and texture. A further three months of bottle ageing ensures harmonious balance.

In the glass, “Frusté” reveals a luminous straw yellow hue with greenish highlights. The bouquet is subtle yet layered, offering notes of white blossom, green apple, white peach and a hint of hazelnut. Tropical nuances of pineapple and mango, along with delicate herbal undertones, complete the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is dry, elegant and well-balanced, with vibrant acidity and a pleasantly bitter, lingering finish – a hallmark of fine Arneis.

Culinary pairings abound. As an aperitif, it provides a fresh and inviting start to any meal. It complements light snacks such as nuts or canapés, as well as fish, seafood and sushi. Mild poultry dishes, fresh salads with fruity or nutty elements, and vegetarian fare featuring courgette, asparagus or artichoke all benefit from its aromatic clarity. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or mild goat’s cheese make for a graceful finale.

Serve ideally between 10 and 12°C to fully appreciate the fine structure and freshness of this distinctive white wine.

General properties

• Vintage: 2023
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Volume: 2.25 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Vinchio Vaglio - Regione San Pancrazio 1 - 14040 Vinchio (AT) - Italia - +39 0141 950903
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape: 100% Arneis
• Vinification: The grapes are carefully selected and gently pressed immediately after harvest. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve the delicate primary aromas of the Arneis variety. A brief maturation period on fine lees adds structure and complexity without compromising the wine’s vibrant freshness. Ageing is carried out exclusively in stainless steel, ensuring a clear, fruit-forward style and retaining the wine’s elegant minerality.
• Scent: It reveals a subtle and multi-layered aromatic profile. Delicate floral notes of white blossoms lend an elegant lightness, while fruity nuances of green apple and white peach contribute freshness and clarity. A fine hint of hazelnut completes the bouquet with harmonious depth and added complexity.
• Taste: Dry and finely structured, this wine is supported by a delicate, invigorating acidity. On the palate, it reveals a fresh, balanced and elegant texture that highlights its aromatic precision. The finish is pleasantly bitter and enduring—a hallmark of high-quality Arneis wines.
• Colour: Bright straw yellow with vibrant greenish highlights.
• Alcohol content: 13.5 % Vol.
• Type of closure: Natural cork.
• How to serve: This wine is ideally suited as an elegant aperitif, offering a refined introduction to a sophisticated meal. It reveals its harmonious potential alongside starters such as salumi, herb frittata or stuffed onions, and pairs equally well with fish and white meat dishes—including rabbit with tuna sauce, grilled poultry or poached fish. Vegetarian preparations featuring Mediterranean herbs or mild cheeses are also beautifully complemented by its balanced structure and aromatic clarity.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 10 and 12°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulphites.
• EAN (bottle): 8030227024031
• Scope of supply: 3 x 0.75 litres = 2.25 litres.

Grape variety

ARNEIS

The Arneis grape variety is an ancient white grape from the picturesque region of Piedmont in Italy. It was already known in the 15th century under the names Renesium and Ornesio. The term "Arneis" means "the little difficult one" in the local dialect, referring to the challenges of cultivating it. At one point, Arneis was nearly extinct, but it was rediscovered and revived in the 1990s. Arneis was originally used as a blending partner for the famous Nebbiolo wine to soften its acidity. Today, however, it is primarily used to produce high-quality white wines like Roero Arneis (DOCG) and Langhe Arneis (DOC). These wines are renowned for their seductive aromas of almond, green apple, pear, and melon, reminiscent of a blend between Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. The leaves of the Arneis vine are medium-sized, round to slightly five-lobed, with a wavy or slightly serrated edge. The leaf surface is often slightly hairy, and in autumn, the leaves take on a beautiful golden-yellow hue. The grapes are medium-sized and compact. The individual berries are relatively small, round, and have a greenish-yellow colour that turns golden-yellow when ripe. Due to the thin skin of the berries, this grape variety is prone to various diseases. Arneis vines are known for their vigorous growth and long shoots. They prefer well-drained soils and require careful management to achieve optimal yields and quality. The flowering period of the Arneis vine typically occurs in late spring. The grapes ripen late, about 30 days after the Chasselas grape, which means they are usually harvested towards the end of the grape harvest season. The yields of Arneis vines are low and require a lot of attention and care. They are susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew, necessitating careful monitoring and maintenance in the vineyard. Wines made from the Arneis grape variety are characterized by their fresh and aromatic profile. The bouquet often reveals aromas of green apple, pear, and melon, harmoniously intertwined with delicate notes of almond and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is light, crisp, and balanced with a fine harmony between fruitiness and acidity. Sometimes, subtle nuances of herbs and a hint of honey can be detected. The Arneis grape variety has established itself as a valuable addition to the wine landscape of Piedmont and is equally appreciated by winemakers and wine enthusiasts.