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.

Almondo's Fosso della Rosa is made from 100% Brachetto. This ancient and rare variety provides for one of the most fascinating wines of Piedmont. In the hands of the Almondo family, it is dazzlingly aromatic, offering delectable notes of wild strawberry, red and black raspberries and rose petals. The palate possesses a lovely touch of bubbles with just the right amount of sweetness. Ripe berry flavors cascade over the tongue leading to a beautifully delicious finish. Incredibly refreshing and tasty on its own, but this Brachetto has a range of pairing options. Excellent as a first course complement to charcuterie or a fruit and cheese plate, though equally enticing as an accompaniment to dessert. Pair with a fresh berry crumble or a chocolate hazelnut tart.