'06 Giacosa Arneis

[Dan Donahue]

Not an off-beat white to me since I drink quite a bit of Italien whites (a real bargain area), especially Arneis. A favorite of mine every vintage I've tried, this '06 bottling is in a good spot now. Takes some air to come to life but soon hits its stride with a floral blast on the noes and round, full flavors of peach, pear and honey on the tongue with a smidgen of nuttiness thrown in for good measure. excellent by itself, but with enough acidity to stand up to a dinner.

[Salil]

Sounds very nice, Dan. I've not explored too many dry Italian whites (the handful I tried from Fiano, Trebbiano & Corvina I found a bit too soft and waxy for my liking without the acid I look for) - but this sounds very nice. Is Arneis a grape for higher acidity?

[Dan Donahue]

Salil, I find the acidity in Arneis more supportive than bracing. That is about par for the course for better Italian whites. Maybe some Vermentinos have more of an edge, but it is rare.

[Tim York]

Is Arneis a grape for higher acidity?

Salil, Arneis is actually reputed to have LOW acidity and this was repeated on the back label of the Langhe Arneis which I reviewed a few days ago. I did not find that to be the case in that bottle.

NWR - what do you do for cricket Stateside?

[Jenise]

I've had the Giacosa and it's superb--about as good as that grape gets. Great choice!

[Salil]

NWR - what do you do for cricket Stateside?

Webstreaming for the telecasts, don't play now that I'm in CT (used to play a bit when I lived in Chicago as there was a Midwest league and a lot of other enthusiasts).