Roero Arneis Metodo Classico 'RitaSté' Tibaldi 2018

Roero Arneis Metodo Classico 'RitaSté' Pas Dosé from the family-run Tibaldi winery represents a bubbly from Arneis grapes that makes high mineral tone one of its salient features. Although it is mainly vinified as a still white, because of its marked acidity and fine aromas the Arneis grape variety is also gaining wide acclaim in a sparkling version, especially as a Metodo Classico, a type that enhances its complexity and taste-olfactory structure. Moreover, being a Pas Dosé the 'Ritasté' represents the purest expression of the type, unadulterated by any dosage syrup.

Tibaldi Roero Arneis 'RitaSté' Metodo Classico Pas Dosé is made from only carefully cultivated Arneis grapes harvested by hand in crates. The must obtained by gently crushing the grapes is conveyed into stainless steel tanks for temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation. After a short period of maturation, the mass is placed in bottles where refermentation according to the Metodo Classico takes place at a constant temperature. Maturation on the lees in glass lasts for at least 40 months, accompanied by a long period of remuage, and after disgorgement no dosing syrup is used but the bottles are instead topped up with the same wine.

On visual inspection, Metodo Classico Pas Dosé Roero Arneis 'RitaSté' Tibaldi shows a bright straw yellow color with fine and persistent effervescence. The aromatic range opens on scents of white flowers, citrus peel and white-fleshed fruit, soon joined by delicate vegetal hints, hints of bakery and mineral hints. The balanced and creamy sip is supported by the pleasant fresh-sappy component and clear citrus and mineral returns.