GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Arneis
VINEYARD: A blend of grapes from two different vineyards in the municipality of Diano d’Alba; soil consisting typically of clay and limestone, characterised by layers of more or less compact sand alternating with grey sandstones (sands compacted and cemented by marine water carbonates), known as Arenarie di Diano or Diano Sandstones. Mainly westerly exposure. Altitude 300-400 m above sea level. Typical espalier vineyards and Guyot pruning, average plant density of 4500-4800 vines per hectare.
HARVEST: By hand, vineyard by vineyard, into crates, in the first ten days of September, as soon as the grapes are ripe.
GRAPE YIELD PER HECTARE: 10000 kg
VINIFICATION: Soft pressing of the whole bunches with a pneumatic lung press and separation of the must obtained into two categories. We use only the first, free-run juice. The cold must is left to settle for 18 hours after pressing and is then racked. It ferments in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature (15-17°C) for about 15 days.
AGEING: Upon completion of alcoholic fermentation, the wine remains in direct contact with the fine lees, with no malo-lactic fermentation, until it is bottled. It spends at least four months in the bottle.
DESCRIPTION: Bright straw yellow colour, with mainly floral and fruity aromas, featuring chamomile and peach. A full-bodied wine with good acidity, roundness on the palate and good balance and persistence. With a couple of years in the bottle, SàMai acquires aromas of dried fruit and hazelnuts. Try with soups, light antipasti, crudités, salads with white meats and pomegranate, and creamy cheeses.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 10-12° C