It's been said that the true value of a winemaker can be found on the dining room table of another. When meeting with producers, it is always illustrative to see what wines they are pouring at home. Time and again, when speaking with different Italian wine producers, Domenico Almondo and his wines are mentioned. And that is just about the greatest reference any winemaker can receive. (In fact, Gianlucca Grasso trades bottles of his superb Barolos for Domenico's stellar Bricco delle Ciliegie Arneis.)

The Almondo family has grown grapes in Roero for over 300 years. Though, it wasn't until 1980 that Domenico made the decision to bottle his own wine. More importantly, he made the ground-breaking choice to craft top-flight white wine in a region nearly completely devoted to the production of red. Today, Domenico organically farms the sandy hillside soils of Roero, along with his two sons, Federico and Stefano, producing world-class Arneis, along with Nebbiolo, Brachetto and a small bit of Barbera.

The Roero appellation is nestled in the sandy soils of Northern Piedmont, and is home to the indigenous varietal Arneis. Stefano Almondo is a master of this rare white grape, crafting aromatic and mineral wines that rival any of the best white wines in Italy. Vigne Sparse translates to "scattered vineyards" and alludes to the four vineyards from which the fruit is sourced for this gorgeous white. The Almondo Vigne Sparse Arneis is floral and fruity with an energetic, chalky mineral streak. This is a wildly complex wine. The mid-palate has layers of concentrated citrus and orchard fruits with a long finish highlighted by a river stone minerality. Enjoy as an aperitif or with fresh fish, roasted poultry or delicate veal preparations.