History of Arneis

DOC (Designation of Controlled Origins) since 1985 and DOCG (Designation of Controlled and Certified Origins) since 2004, Arneis is one of the most famous Italian white wines and in Piedmont is only second to Moscato. It is considered the king of the white grape vines of Roero and Piedmont.

The first evidence of the cultivation of this vine variety dates back to the 15^th Century. Initially, it was called "Bianchetta" or "Barolo Bianco.” Between 1700 and 1800, it became very popular because it was made in the sweet version just like Moscato. During the following centuries, its difficult cultivation techniques and the infestation caused by phylloxera, led to focus on easier vines decreeing its decline until the 1970s when it started again to be vinified as a dry wine instead.
This change was key in making this wine one of the best known dry white wines in Piedmont.

An interesting fact that not everyone knows is that, before its come back in the 1970s, the Arneis vines were being purposefully planted around the Nebbiolo vines in order to protect them from bad weather and birds that were attracted by the unique scent of the Arneis grapes. The Arneis vine presents with a medium size bunch, and pruinose greenish-yellow grapes which naturally gives the Arneis its propensity to make high end wines.

Where does the Arneis name come from? The hypothesis are several.

Some claim the name comes from the dialect word "Arneis" used to define a rebellious and tenacious person. Others think it derives from the word “Renexij” which is the name of a hill in the province of Cuneo: the “bric Renesio” of Canale.

Lastly, it is believed that it could originate from the Latin word “arnesus” which identifies the tools used for harvesting and turning grapes into wine. Whatever the origin of the name, our Arneis DOCG Duchessa Lia is ideal for a summer aperitif!