Arneis 2020

June 4, 2021 Comments are closed » [ssba]

Our estate-grown 2020 Arneis, which loosely translates to “little rascal” in Italian, is easier to drink than it is to grow! The finicky Arneis grape (pronounced “ar-nase”) is prone to lose its acidity if planted in an area that’s not just right. If handled properly, it yields amazing, floral, crisp wines. Thankfully, our Temecula AVA coupled with our winemaker’s know-how and watchful eye helped produce our 2020 vintage.

Grown primarily in Italy’s Piedmont region, Arneis is also found in Oregon, Australia, and California. In Roero, Italy, it’s also earned the nickname “Barolo Bianco” (white Barolo) due to its proximity to Barolo, just across the river. Often planted alongside Nebbiolo vines, it acts as a magnet for insects and birds who are drawn to its intense perfume. Small amounts of Arneis have been blended to soften red wines, but it truly shines as a single varietal.

The aromatic Arneis grape was at one point on the verge of extinction, but thanks to winemaker Alfredo Currado of the Vietti family, it’s still going strong. Known as a fragrant, minerally, fresh, dry wine, it’s an excellent weeknight sipper that’s best enjoyed well-chilled. Shopping for a unique white wine gift? Wine drinkers who enjoy Pinot Blanc and Viognier will love Arneis.

Our creamy 2020 vintage was fermented cold with 100% malolactic fermentation to accentuate the fruit and mouthfeel. Expect notes of white peach, and honeysuckle on the nose followed by lemon curd, papaya, and sea salt on the palate. It’s perfect for pairing with anything that swims, chicken, turkey, creamy pasta dishes, and it loves the herb tarragon. Open a bottle or two with this Fettucine Alfredo recipe from Bon Appetite Magazine or try your hand at our roasted fish recipe.

Ponte Quick Roasted Swordfish

Serves 6

  • 6 Fresh Swordfish Steaks
  • High Quality Olive Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Fresh or Dried Tarragon
  • Fresh Ground Black pepper
  • Lemon Wedges
  1. Heat oven or grill to 400 degrees. Lay the fish on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Drizzle the steaks with olive oil, tarragon, salt and pepper.
  3. Roast for 10 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and opaque.
  4. Serve with lots of fresh-cut lemon wedges and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
  5. A fresh, simple green salad alongside this dish will complete the meal!

Visit us for some of the best Temecula wine tasting soon, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Better yet, join our wine club and take advantage of our member benefits today. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you enjoy wine tasting at our facility. Pairing with Ponte is a fun, easy, sure way to impress your guests, so give it a whirl and stay tuned for our next post. Saluté!


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