Casa Tallone - Arneis - Roero, IT - 2023

Notes from the Winery/Importer

Vintage Notes (2023): The 2023 vintage in Piedmont for white wines, including Arneis, faced some variable weather, including early season rains and later heat. However, a favorable late summer and early autumn allowed for good phenolic ripening. Producers like Casa Tallone, with their careful vineyard management, were able to harvest healthy grapes, leading to a 2023 Roero Arneis that is expected to show good aromatic intensity, balanced ripeness, and a lively freshness that is typical of the varietal, reflecting a resilient and quality-focused vintage.

Vinification: Casa Tallone's philosophy extends to their white wines, emphasizing purity and terroir expression. This Roero Arneis DOCG is made from 100% Arneis grapes. Vinification typically involves spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks to preserve the delicate aromatics and freshness of the varietal. There is no skin maceration beyond the initial pressing. The wine then ages for a relatively short period, often around 4-6 months, exclusively in stainless steel tanks, to maintain its crisp, fruit-driven character. It is generally bottled unfined and unfiltered to ensure authenticity and maximize expression.

Appearance: The wine displays a brilliant, clear pale to medium straw yellow color, often with delicate greenish reflections, characteristic of a classically made Arneis. It is bright and limpid in the glass.
Nose: The aromatic profile is immediately expressive, fresh, and inviting, showcasing the varietal's quintessential qualities with a touch of the 2023 vintage's ripeness. It presents charming notes of ripe white peach, crisp green apple, and juicy pear, beautifully complemented by delicate floral aromas of acacia blossom, honeysuckle, and chamomile. Underlying hints of toasted almond, wet stone, and a subtle saline minerality add complexity and a savory edge. The nose is clean and precise.
Palate: On the palate, the wine is dry, fresh, and medium-bodied, offering a vibrant and harmonious texture. It is characterized by its bright, crisp acidity, which is well-balanced and provides excellent lift and a refreshing finish. The tannins are practically non-existent, making it smooth and immediately approachable. Flavors echo the nose with a focus on fresh white fruit (pear, apple, white peach), a touch of citrus zest, and a distinctive mineral-saline edge that speaks to Roero's sandy soils. A classic, subtle bitter almond note often emerges on the clean finish. The wine is incredibly drinkable, with a precise, linear, and moderately persistent finish that leaves a refreshing impression of pure fruit and minerality.
Body: Medium-bodied.
Finish: Medium-long, fresh, clean, with bright acidity and lingering notes of white fruit, almond, and minerality.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This classic Roero Arneis is incredibly versatile. It's excellent as an aperitif and pairs beautifully with fresh seafood (oysters, grilled shrimp, pan-seared scallops), light pasta dishes with pesto or vegetable sauces, fresh cheeses (e.g., goat cheese, fresh mozzarella), white fish, and spring vegetable dishes (asparagus, artichokes). Its crispness also makes it a great match for sushi or sashimi.
Potential for Aging: The 2023 Casa Tallone Roero Arneis DOCG is crafted for vibrant, youthful enjoyment, highlighting its aromatic freshness and crispness. While its good acidity allows it to hold for a few years, it is generally best consumed within 3-5 years of its vintage (until 2028-2030) to capture its primary charm and lively character. It is not typically designed for extended aging.

Notes on the Producer

Casa Tallone is a dynamic winery in Roero, Piedmont, Italy, passionately run by brothers Davide and Matteo Sacchetto. Their winemaking adventure began modestly in 2013, starting with just a few rows of vines. With Davide's enology background and Matteo's hands-on vineyard expertise gained from international experience, they are dedicated to expressing the true Roero terroir. Casa Tallone focuses on organic and sustainable practices in their vineyards, which feature challenging, shallow soils and steep hillsides. They are known for their distinctive Roero Bianco DOCG made from 100% Arneis (often noted for its salty edge and fine texture), and their Roero DOCG Nebbiolo, which showcases a unique fruity profile supported by good tannins from the sandy soils. They also produce Cisterna d'Asti DOC from Croatina. Eschewing fixed recipes, Casa Tallone prioritizes listening to the land, utilizing indigenous yeasts and aging in cement tanks or old barriques, resulting in authentic, terroir-driven Piedmontese wines that speak directly of their origin.