Angelo Negro, Roero Arneis “Serra Lupini”
Talk about a “founding family”: The Negros have roots in the village of Monteu Roero dating to 1670. Over the years, they have solidified their position in Roero while branching out into the Langhe hills, acquiring Cascina Basarin in Barbaresco and Cascina Baudana in Barolo. Estate namesake Angelo Negro first commercialized the family’s wines in the early 1900s.
This 2020 is sourced from a southwest-facing plot of Arneis rooted in sandy/clay/limestone soils. A portion of the grape must is subjected to a brief, cold maceration on skins before fermentation. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, spending about four months aging in contact with the lees (spent yeast cells), which are frequently stirred to lend texture. Arneis is a favorite of bees and birds, thanks to its sweet, honeyed juice. But there’s no sweetness here; it’s a dry, textured white with brisk acidity and aromas of pear, white peach, acacia blossoms, and a hint of chopped almond. Pair with chicken or lighter pork dishes, as well as meaty seafood like halibut or turbot.