Ceretto Langhe D.O.C. Arneis Blangé 2022

Product Information: Ceretto’s Blangé is a wonderful expression of the region’s native Arneis grape. Vibrant and medium-bodied white, fresh and fragrant. The nose is mineral infused and intensely fruity, distinctive ripe pear and green apple. This perfume carries over to the palate, fragrant, savoury, fresh and with a persistent dry finish. Blangè is the white side of Piedmontese wines; the variety helped to revolutionise Langhe winemaking that was previously devoted exclusively to red grapes. It is the product of a highly distinctive region, the Roero, where there is a desire to improve varietal recognition, as well as drinking pleasure. Blangè combines sustainable practices in the vineyard with a modern take. Fruit and minerality, aromatics and balanced freshness. Stainless steel. Harvested in two batches, one week apart, to preserve freshness. Small batch has 24 hours’ skin contact for fruit flavour. Tank closed towards the end of fermentation, to seal in some CO2. 3–5 months on lees. The “Blange” vineyard, located on the hillsides of Vezza d’Alba, was purchased in 1985 with the sole purpose of planting it with the Arneis grape. The name of the wine is derived from the French word “boulanger,” or baker, as legend has it that this is where Napoleon’s bakers made their camp when his armies ventured into the area. Maker: The story of Ceretto is the story of the family’s love for the region of Langhe. This devotion guides all their choices: in the vineyards they cultivate, to the cellars where their wines are raised and matured. In the bucolic countryside where they live, in the hills where they walk with their children on sunny winter days. Ceretto have been producing wine since the ‘30s. Riccardo Ceretto, who did not own any vineyards, produced wine from grapes he purchased. The turning point came when his sons Bruno and Marcello joined the business, with their innovative thinking for the time: the importance of the land. Though this seems obvious today, memories of the poverty of rural life in the Langhe region – described so well by Beppe Fenoglio in his novel “La Malora” (“Ruin”) – were still fresh, and Riccardo was reluctant to invest in purchasing land by himself. From the 1960s, Bruno and Marcello started mapping out the land that produced the best wines, and buying the vineyards. They would never leave the region again. The Philosophy: Over the last twenty years they have embarked on a journey to adopt more environmentally sustainable farming methods, and obtained organic certification in 2015. Together with chef Enrico Crippa, they are the founding members of the Piazza Duomo restaurant, the first one in Piedmont with three Michelin stars. As lovers of the arts, patrons to nougat producers, storytellers, wine merchants. Ceretto can’t help but enjoy an eclectic sense of curiosity that knows no bounds, but there is always method to their madness: as everything is done in the name of the Langhe. Nose – Jasmine, Pears, Chalk This is fresh and floral with notes of lemons, pears, chamomile, jasmine and chalk. Palate – Honey, Yellow Apple, Vibrant Vibrant acidity, with honey tones to the yellow-apple palate Finish – Saline Minerals, Lemon, Dried Fennel Flavourful finish. Crisp and bright. This is fresh and floral with notes of lemons, pears, chamomile, jasmine and chalk. Medium-bodied with juicy acidity and vivid, citrusy character. Flavorful finish. – James Suckling, 90 Points. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Arneis Country – Italy Region – Piedmont Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13%