Arbe Garbe White Wine, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co., CA 2021

Enrico Bertoz and his wife Letizia Pauletto each grew up in Friuli, in the northeast corner of Italy "Arbe Garbe" is Friulian for the “bad weeds” which are often used, there like here, as cover crops.

• Winemaker: Enrico Bertoz & Letizia Pauletto
• Variety: 70% Malvasia, 15% Chardonnay, 15% Friulano 
• Farming: Blend of Sustainable and Organically-farmed vineyards (Catie's Corner, Pagani Ranch) in the Russian River Valley.
  
• Terroir:  Catie's Corner: Sandy, loamy, alluvial soils. Pagani Ranch: red and dusty soil of volcanic composition, washed down from the Sonoma Mountain Range.
  
• Vinification: Fruit went straight to press (no skin contact this year), then fermented with native yeasts in 1 and 2 year old barrels.
• Aging: 10 months in neutral barrel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
• Production: 300 cases made
• Tasting Notes: Heady aromatics, mixed tropical fruits and lime zest, creamy.
  
• Scores: 93 Points Robert Parker: "The Arbe Garbe is a blend of Malvasia, Tocai and Ribolla Gialla. This is an exotic fruit cocktail of a wine with gorgeous aromatics of mango, caramelized melons, honeysuckle, apricot, a touch of pineapple, strawberry and even cherry notes, making for an intense, round and juicy wine. 

From our 2023 Bottle Clubs:

Arbe Garbe ‘White Wine’, Russian River Valley, CA 2021

In the rolling hills of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, two winemakers, Enrico Bertoz and Letizia Pauletto, have crafted a delicious wine that pays homage to their Friulian heritage. With a unique combination of Italian varietals and sustainable farming practices, this wine embodies the rich flavors and aromatic intricacies of both the Russian River Valley and northern Italy.

Arbe Garbe’s 2020 White Wine is a blend is 70% Malvasia, 15% Chardonnay, and 15% Friulano. The Friulano grapes are sourced from the historic Pagani Ranch, nestled in the heart of Sonoma Valley's Valley of the Moon. Planted in the 1880s, the closely spaced, head-trained vines are dry-farmed, imparting exceptional character to the grapes. The Malvasia hails from the renowned Catie's Corner Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, known for its sustainable practices and Fish Friendly Farming certification. The Chardonnay component adds balance, harmonizing the acidity of Friulano with the enticing aromas of Malvasia.

The winemaking approach of Enrico and Letizia allows each vintage to guide their creations, and utilize a philosophy of minimal intervention in both the vineyards and the cellar. For the 2020 White Wine, the fruit went straight to press, foregoing skin contact. The fermentation process relied on native yeasts, taking place in carefully selected 1 and 2-year-old barrels. Aging for a period of 10 months in neutral barrels allowed the flavors to develop further, culminating in a wine of exceptional quality. The bottling process preserves the wine's integrity, unfined and unfiltered.

Heady aromatics fill the glass, with notes of mixed tropical fruits and lime zest taking center stage. Creamy in texture, the wine entices with its luscious mouthfeel and refreshing acidity.  It will pair beautifully with grilled shrimp, lemon-butter salmon, or seared scallops. Its vibrant acidity and tropical fruit notes also complement fresh salads, particularly those with citrus-based dressings and tangy goat cheese. — Cara Patricia