Langhe Arneis Sa Mai, Abrigo Giovanni

Arneis is the perfect representation of how successful white grapes can be in Piedmont. A tenacious preserver of acidity and excellent structure, appreciated both in Italy and abroad. Vibrant and tireless, the finest vintages of this wine age very well. “SàMai” is a name inspired by a typical expression in Piedmontese dialect. You have to be ready for anything in life, “non si sa mai…” which translates as “you never know…”. The best opportunities often have to be grasped immediately

Grape variety

Arneis 100%

Vineyard

A blend of grapes from two different vineyards in the municipality of Diano d’Alba; soil consisting typically of clay and limestone, characterised by layers of more or less compact sand alternating with grey sandstones (sands compacted and cemented by marine water carbonates), known as Arenarie di Diano or Diano Sandstones. Mainly westerly exposure. Altitude 300-400 m above sea level. Typical espalier vineyards and Guyot pruning, average plant density of 4,500-4,800 vines per hectare

Harvest

By hand, vineyard by vineyard, into crates, in the first ten days of September, as soon as the grapes are ripe

Grape yield per hectare

10,000 kg

Vinification

Soft pressing of the whole bunches with a pneumatic lung press and separation of the must obtained into two categories. We use only the first, free-run juice. the cold must is left to settle for 18 hours after pressing and is then racked. It ferments in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature (15-17°C) for about 15 days

Ageing

Upon completion of alcoholic fermentation, the wine remains in direct contact with the fine lees, with no malo-lactic fermentation, until it is bottled. It spends at least four months in the bottle

Description

Bright straw yellow colour, with mainly floral and fruity aromas, featuring chamomile and peach. A full-bodied wine with good acidity, roundness on the palate and good balance and persistence. With a couple of years in the bottle, SàMai acquires aromas of dried fruit and hazelnuts. Try with soups, light antipasti, crudités, salads with white meats and pomegranate, and creamy cheeses

Serving temperature

10-12° C