The Vietti Arneis is a perennial favorite. Grown on roughly 30-year-old vines, the grapes are vinified in stainless steel without malolactic. Pale yellow with a clear rim, it yields a fragrance of herbs — laurel, sage, fresh grass — followed by a sense of quince and yellow apple. On the palate, the wine suggests more of these pome fruits, adding a sense of apricot. It has surprisingly scintillant acidity, especially early in the attack. We had it open at the same time as a St-Joseph blanc from Faury (which is 80% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne) and it was remarkably equivalent in weight, acidity, and texture. There was even some flavor overlap given the autumnal fruits.

It was quite nice with braised pork with apples. Try it with foods seasoned with light spices (mild curry, cardamom), especially complemented by apple compote, quince paste, or mostarda. A good companion for a range of young to well-aged cheeses.