Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.
Piedmont's reputation rests on its major reds, Barolo and Barbaresco, and rightly so. But a number of white grape varieties are grown in the region too. You'll find the ubiquitous Chardonnay, a little Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, but some of the most interesting Langhe whites are made from local varieties, like Arneis, Cortese, Favorita, Nascetta, Pelaverga and Timorasso.
Some of these were on the brink of extinction, like Arneis and Nascetta, but were saved and lovingly propagated by a handful of passionate growers. Arneis makes juicy, fleshy wines with aromas of peaches and a characteristic grapefruit hint on the finish; the versions from Roero are the best known. Cortese, the grape of Gavi, tends to be leaner and more mineral, with apple and almond notes. However, those from the warm 2017 vintage are showing riper fruit tones. Nascetta reminds me of Riesling, with its aromas of petrol and pine, and its texture that verges on oily.
BRAIDA DI GIACOMO BOLOGNA Nascetta Langhe La Regina 2017
White peach, apple, pine and earth aromas and flavors abound, allied to a crisp profile. Firms up, with a chalky feel and a long, citrus-tinged aftertaste. Drink now through 2021. 300 cases imported.
BRUNO GIACOSA Roero Arneis 2017
Lemon, tangerine, white flower and mineral aromas and flavors power this sleek, focused white, backed by a vibrant structure. Builds to a long finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported.
CANTINE ASCHERI BRA Gavi Cristina 2017
A mix of peach, apple, almond and thyme flavors are the highlights of this focused white. Expressive, lingering on the tangy aftertaste. Drink now. 380 cases imported.
VIETTI Roero Arneis 2017
Floral and peach aromas give way to pink grapefruit and white pepper notes as this white goes from start to finish. Rich, balanced and long. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.
COPPO Gavi Tenuta La Rocca 2017
Vibrant, boasting peach, gooseberry and citrus flavors. Lightly herbaceous, ending with tangy grapefruit and mineral accents. Drink now. 600 cases imported.
DAMILANO Arneis Langhe 2017
Displaying alluring fruit flavors of peach, apricot and grapefruit, this white is juicy and bright, ending with a mouthwatering tang. Drink now. 990 cases imported.
MALABAILA DI CANALE Roero Arneis Le Tre 2017
This expressive white displays rose, peach, apple and grapefruit peel aromas and flavors. Vibrant and tangy, with a lingering finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.
PODERI VAIOT Roero Arneis Franco 2017
White peach, yellow plum and plum skin flavors mark this tangy Arneis. Reveals a floral note and finishes with a citrus peel detail. Mouthwatering in feel. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.
STEFANO MASSONE Gavi Masera 2017
A ripe style, this white offers peach, floral and grapefruit flavors, backed by crisp acidity, leaving a mouthwatering finish. Drink now. 3,500 cases imported.
MATTEO CORREGGIA Roero Arneis 2017
Lean and on the tart side, with enough lemon, passion fruit and grapefruit flavors to offset the acidity. Mouthwatering finish. Drink now. 1,400 cases imported.
VILLA SPARINA Gavi 2017
Shy in aroma, this white spreads out on the palate, with a broad profile exhibiting apple, earth and almond flavors. Just a bit compact. Drink now. 5,000 cases imported.