When you think of Piedmont, you think of reds. True. But there is a white wine that has made history in these parts and is making a comeback: Arneis. Its name, in dialect, means “mischievous” or “rebellious”, because it is a difficult grape variety to tame and for this reason, for a long time, it was almost forgotten. We are in the Langhe hills, immersed in a landscape of disarming beauty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, Arneis thrives on sedimentary soils of Pliocene origin, often rich in sand and calcareous clay – the exact opposite of the more austere soils of Barolo. It is this composition that gives the grape a delicate but distinctive aromatic profile, with a natural savouriness. The secret to this wine's extreme pleasantness lies in the production method chosen by Prunotto. After being harvested by hand, the grapes are gently pressed. The clear must then ferments in stainless steel tanks at a temperature not exceeding 18 degrees for about two weeks. This cold fermentation is essential for capturing all the primary aromas and freshness of the grapes. After fermentation, the wine continues to age in steel for several months at a low temperature. The total absence of wood is a deliberate choice to let the fruit speak for itself, without interference: the result is a crisp and vibrant white wine. In the glass, Arveja has a beautiful light straw yellow colour with slight greenish reflections, a colour that immediately evokes its youth and vitality. The nose is intense and enveloping, a true ode to spring: floral notes of acacia and white flowers stand out, intertwining with fruity sensations of pear, melon and a touch of fresh citrus, such as pink grapefruit. On the palate, it is fresh, savoury and well-balanced. Despite being a light and agile white, it has a good structure that prevents it from being banal. The pleasant acidity typical of Arneis is balanced by a sensation of roundness, leaving the palate clean and smooth. It closes with a finish of moderate persistence, where notes of bitter almond re-emerge, an unmistakable trademark of this grape variety. Ideal with light and delicious dishes, it is also perfect as an aperitif.