This family-owned estate is based in Montà, in the Roero hills north of Alba. Although the Almondo family has lived here for over 600 years, Domenico Almondo was the first, in the early 1980s, to make wine from their 18 hectares of meticulously tended vines. He is now assisted by his sons Stefano and Domenico. Domenico’s fame grew as he supplied asparagus and Arneis to some of Piemonte’s finest restaurants. However, the demand for Arneis now means less time for asparagus, unfortunately.
Domenico was born in a cascina (farmhouse) at the foot of Bricco delle Ciliegie. This splendid hill is one of the highest in the Roero, close to the northern border of the denomination. The high elevation, combined with soils comprised more of clay and chalk than the classically sandy soils of Vezza and Canale, create a unique style of wine. They are defined by a tightly wound palate, excellent depth and perfumes that develop complexity with time. ‘Bricco delle Ciliegie’ is simply made. After pressing, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, where it matures for six months. The result is a unique expression of Arneis. Powerful, vibrant and defined, its distinctive aromatics and great length make it a must-stock wine in the finest restaurants of the Langhe.
The single vineyard Bricco delle Ciliegie is made with Arneis grown at 390m above sea level, which is a unique vineyard altitude in southern Piemonte, and the highest vineyard elevation in the Roero appellation. The consistent wind, exposure, altitude and acidity of the soil are fundamental in creating the fresh and bright style of this wine. The vines are Guyot trained, 40 years old and planted at a density of 4000 plants per hectare.
This wine is pale bright yellow in colour. On the nose it has aromas of tangerine peel, marzipan, white flowers and jasmine. On the palate, it is medium in body and flavours of lemon peel, white flowers and green pear linger on the long and elegant finish.
