Review: Malvirà Saglietto Arneis 2016 White Wine

Haven’t we been lucky with the weather recently? All this sun and blue skies makes for great opportunities to see friends and share a cheeky bottle of something exciting and refreshing.

This month I was excited to try Malvirà Saglietto Arneis, a signature white wine from Piedmont, in Italy which was sent to me by Independent Wine. The Arneis grape is described as being very refreshing with aromas of white flowers, peach and grapefruit which sounds heavenly!

Malvirà is the most influential producer in Roero, the area in the north-east corner of the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, north-west Italy, and possibly the most innovative as well. Their winery is organic certified and carbon-neutral, constructed deep underground with geothermal heating and cooling systems. I had no idea there were options for vineyards to be environmentally minded so I find this really interesting.

Named “Saglietto” after a vineyard in Roero that overlooks the valley of the Tanaro river, the grapes that went into this wine were grown and picked by hand in September. After harvest half of the wine was matured in 450-litre oak barrels and the rest in stainless steel vats. This lends the wine a gentle taste of toast and vanilla while preserving the delicate floral aroma. Arneis has high acidity and strong aromas, giving this wine the potential to age beautifully.

The Saglietto Arneis 2016 has a pale lemon colour, with a medium aroma of tropical fruits, lemon, pear and apple. There are also hints of bread, vanilla and honey. Very refreshing with high acidity, medium body and a pleasant finish. The taste of tropical fruits lingers on the palate making this the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day.

I have to admit that I was enjoying a good catch up with my sister while we tried this wine; the conversation distracted a little from the wine and I found it didn’t leave a lasting impression, however, it was uncomplicated and refreshing, delightfully citrus-y and easy to drink.