Lesser-Known White Grapes from Italy

While we like a good Pinot Grigio as well as anyone, we’re always intrigued by the new and the different. Although there are hundreds of white grapes in Italy that you may not have heard of, we thought it best to start with three: Arneis, Friulano and Greco.

Native to the Piedmont region, Arneis means "rascal" in the local dialect. In a land of Barbaresco and Barolo this grape is truly an unruly child, the one who doesn’t fit in. It used to be planted among rows of Nebbiolo because its scented clusters diverted birds and bees away from the more “important” variety.

Historically linked with the Roero, which is on the opposite side of the Tanaro River from the Langhe hills, Arneis is generally light and easy to drink. It is great with summer salads, prosciutto and melon, or a light pasta primavera.

The Cristina Ascheri Langhe Arneis 2006 is zesty and fuller in style than most but marked by cutting lemon-lime acidity. A burst of springtime aromatics - apple, honeyed melon, and wildflowers – follow with white fruit flavors that fill the mouth, backed by crisp acidity, stony minerals and a fresh grapefruit finish.

While Pinot Grigio gets the lion's share of attention, many fans of Friulian wines favor the Friulano grape, which is the region’s most widely planted white variety. Friulano makes light- to medium-bodied wines with crisp acidity; the best of which have a full, viscous texture and rich fruit flavors.

The grape was formerly known as Tocai or Tocai Friulano, but as of 2007 the European Union has required producers to desist from using the name Tocai to avoid confusion with Hungary's classic wine zone, Tokaji.

The Livio Felluga Friulano 2006 is a complex, rich white wine with aromas of apricots, peaches, almonds, and oranges that carry through to the palate and are accented with honey and a touch of spice.

Greco means "Greek" and the grape’s name is often linked with Tufo, one of the nine communes in Southern Italy where the wine can be produced. Tufo also refers to the local soil, a type of clay that is rough but breaks up easily. Full of calcium, it lends a nice minerality to the wine, which often has a light note of almond in the finish. Medium-bodied, Greco di Tufo features aromas of lemon, flowers such as acacia or lilacs and sometimes notes of green apple. Because it has very high tannins for a white variety, its wines tend to be more on the earthy side.

The Mastrobernadino Novo Serra Greco di Tufo 2006 is a complex white that resembles Riesling on the nose, and has mineral, apple and pear notes that follow through to a full-bodied palate with bright acidity and a subtle aftertaste. The crisp acidity and light earthiness of this dry white make it a perfect accompaniment to most shellfish.

We have all three of these wonderful whites in the store, and would like to offer you 10% off (15% for a case) on any of them through March 8, 2008.




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