Bera Vittorio Arcese 2023

Bera Vittorio e Figli is a family winery at Canelli in the province of Asti, Piedmont, with roots back to the 18th century and 12 hectares farmed organically since 1964. Arcese is a natural white blending Arneis, Cortese, Favorita, Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc, each grape adding its own note: Arneis for pear and white flower, Cortese for citrus and cut, Favorita and Vermentino for a saline lift, and Sauvignon Blanc for green freshness. The estate works with minimal intervention, using no commercial yeasts, no oenological additions and no chemical treatments, so fermentation runs on the wild yeasts present on the fruit and in the cellar. Spontaneous fermentation and ageing on the lees give the wine its texture and a subtle savoury complexity, while the absence of fining and heavy filtration keeps it direct and expressive of the grapes. It pours pale lemon, sometimes with a faint haze in the natural style. The nose is fresh and herbal, with lemon, green apple and white flowers over pear and a touch of elderflower. The palate is dry and crisp, the citrus fruit carried by lively acidity and a lees-derived breadth to a saline finish. Serve chilled at 9 to 10 degrees.