What Is Arneis? Piedmont's Aromatic White, Brought Back from the Brink

Arneis is the signature white grape of Piedmont, in northwestern Italy, an aromatic white revived from near-extinction. Hard to grow, it nearly vanished in the twentieth century, but growers brought it back. As the white of the Langhe, it is now a signature local white.

What does Arneis taste like?

Fragrant aromas of pear, white peach, white flowers, and herbs. A fresh mouthfeel with a pleasant, faintly bitter touch on the finish. Crisp and dry, its appeal is its abundant aroma.

What food pairs with Arneis?

It pairs well with light starters, fish, prosciutto, and salads, and works as an aperitif. With Japanese food, it suits sashimi and tempura.

Once nearly lost: the Arneis revival

Difficult to cultivate, it almost disappeared, but Piedmont's growers carefully nurtured it back. Today it stands alongside red Nebbiolo as a white that defines the Langhe.

Arneis, the vineyard's decoy grape

When I, Federico, talk about Arneis in Piedmont, I always share a custom unique to this land. Long ago in Roero and the Langhe, growers deliberately planted Arneis between the rows of the prized Nebbiolo. Because Arneis is intensely aromatic and its berries ripen sweet, birds and wasps flock to it first, sparing the precious Nebbiolo clusters. It was, quite literally, a decoy. From this habit Arneis was long called Nebbiolo bianco (white Nebbiolo) and Barolo bianco (white Barolo). It is almost unknown in Japan, but knowing that the fragrant white in your glass was once the vineyard's guardian makes every sip more rewarding.

SWIRL's recommended Arneis

Rivetto's Langhe Arneis, a white with delicate, fragrant aromas and a pleasant bitterness. To compare with another white, see our Pinot Grigio guide.

FAQ

Q. Is Arneis sweet?
A. It is crisp and dry.

Q. What does it pair with?
A. Seafood and starters; it also suits Japanese food and works as an aperitif.

Q. Serving temperature?
A. Well chilled at 6 to 9C.