Ceretto Blangé Langhe Arneis DOC
White wine. Specifically, a light to medium-bodied dry white with a signature 'frizzante' hint (slight effervescence) intended for youthful, fresh consumption. · Ceretto. A prestigious family-owned estate founded in the 1930s by Riccardo Ceretto. Now led by the third generation, they are pioneers in Langhe, known for modernizing Barolo and Barbaresco while single-handedly revitalizing the Arneis grape through the 'Blangé' label. They are a high-end, boutique producer with a reputation for blending art, architecture, and viticulture.
Vintage: Recent release (typically consumed within 1-2 years of harvest). The specific year is not visible on the front 'Blangé' label but Piedmont has enjoyed a string of high-quality vintages (2020-2022) characterized by warm summers that ripen Arneis effectively while preserving its delicate aromatics.
Type
White wine. Specifically, a light to medium-bodied dry white with a signature 'frizzante' hint (slight effervescence) intended for youthful, fresh consumption.
Producer
Ceretto. A prestigious family-owned estate founded in the 1930s by Riccardo Ceretto. Now led by the third generation, they are pioneers in Langhe, known for modernizing Barolo and Barbaresco while single-handedly revitalizing the Arneis grape through the 'Blangé' label. They are a high-end, boutique producer with a reputation for blending art, architecture, and viticulture.
Country
Italy. One of the world's oldest wine-producing nations with a complex system of DOC/DOCG classifications. Italy is celebrated for its biodiversity of native grape varieties, with Piedmont serving as a premier region for high-acid, terroir-driven wines.
Vintage
Recent release (typically consumed within 1-2 years of harvest). The specific year is not visible on the front 'Blangé' label but Piedmont has enjoyed a string of high-quality vintages (2020-2022) characterized by warm summers that ripen Arneis effectively while preserving its delicate aromatics.
Region & Appellation
Piedmont, Langhe DOC. The Langhe region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Italy's most prestigious reds, but the Langhe DOC allows for a broader range of styles and varietals, including white grapes like Arneis, often grown on the sandy soils of Roero.
Grape Varieties
100% Arneis. Known as the 'Little Rascal' in Piedmontese dialect because it is difficult to grow. It produces wines with pear, apple, and floral notes, often with a slightly bitter almond finish. Ceretto's version is the global benchmark for the varietal.
Color & Appearance
Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Crystal clear and brilliant. Occasionally shows tiny bubbles on the glass walls due to the intentional retention of a small amount of carbon dioxide from fermentation.
Aroma Profile
Intense and fruity. Primary aromas of ripe pear, golden apple, peach, and citrus zest. Secondary floral notes of acacia and orange blossom. There is a distinct mineral edge reminiscent of wet stones.
Tasting Notes
The palate is greeted with a refreshing, slightly spritzy attack that enhances the fruit flavors. It is crisp and clean with a harmonious balance between the soft orchard fruit and a zesty acidity. The finish is persistent, clean, and leaves a pleasant mineral trail.
Flavor Profile
Dominant flavors of Bosc pear, white peach, and Meyer lemon. As the wine opens, subtle herbal hints of sage or mint may emerge, followed by the classic Arneis touch of bitter almond on the back palate.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a soft, round texture that is broken up by the light prickle of CO2. It feels slippery yet refreshing, lacking the oily weight of a Viognier but possessing more substance than a Pinot Grigio.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium to high acidity that is bright and lively. Tannins are non-existent, but there is a structural phenol 'grip' typical of the Arneis grape that provides a food-friendly backbone.
Sweetness Level
Dry to Off-Dry. While technically dry, the high aromatic fruitiness and the carbonation can give a perception of softness and sweetness, though residual sugar is low.
Alcohol Content
12.5% to 13.5% ABV. This is standard for the region and style, providing enough body to support the aromatics without feeling heavy or 'hot' on the finish.
Aging & Oak
Unoaked. Fermented and aged in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the primary fruit and floral aromas of the Arneis grape. No malolactic fermentation is used, to maintain maximum freshness.
Food Pairings
Vitello Tonnato (classic Piedmontese), light pasta dishes with pesto, seafood salads, sushi, or goat cheese. The slight effervescence also makes it an excellent aperitif with salty appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C (46-50°F). Use a standard tulip-shaped white wine glass. Decanting is not recommended as it would dissipate the signature CO2 bubbles. Drink this wine young.
Price Range
$25.00 - $35.00. It is a premium white wine that offers excellent value considering its iconic status and consistently high production quality.
Quality Assessment
90-92 points. Blangé is consistently rated as the top expression of Langhe Arneis. It is considered a 'super-premium' white wine that defined a category for the Piedmont region.
Production Methods
Cold maceration for several hours prior to fermentation to extract aromatics. Fermented in stainless steel at low temperatures. A small amount of natural CO2 is captured during the cooling process to provide the 'frizzante' character.
Terroir
Sourced from various vineyards in the Langhe and Roero. The soils are primarily sandy with layers of calcareous clay, which provides the aromatic lift and mineral complexity that makes Blangé unique.
History & Heritage
First produced in 1985, Blangé revolutionized Piedmontese whites. Before Ceretto, Arneis was nearly extinct, often used only to soften the tannins of Nebbiolo. Ceretto’s branding (featuring the iconic 'B' label designed by Silvio Coppola) turned it into a lifestyle icon.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Blangé' comes from the French 'Boulanger' (baker). Legend has it that French bakers settled in the area long ago. The bottle is also famous for its visual transparency and designer label, which was revolutionary in the 80s.
Cellaring Potential
Low. This wine is designed for immediate pleasure and should be consumed within 2-3 years of the vintage to enjoy its vibrant fruit and characteristic sparkle. It does not benefit from long-term cellaring.
Similar Wines
Vietti Roero Arneis, Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis, or a high-quality Vermentino from Sardinia. New World comparisons include cool-climate Pinot Gris from Oregon or the Alsace region.