Cantine Elvio Tintero 2022 Arneis Langhe

In anticipation of a meal and tasting with Marco Tintero himself, my colleagues and I recently twisted our way up and over a harrowing stretch of roughly paved, vineyard-flanked roads to Marco’s bed-and-breakfast in Mango, about thirty kilometers east of Barolo. The property sits atop a deliriously undulating, scenic area of the region known for its sunlit parcels of Moscato and other native grape varieties. As we sat around Marco’s table, I had the most revelatory moment with a freshly cracked bottle of his cold, pear-scented, and delicately floral Langhe Arneis, which couldn’t be a lovelier or more refreshing table wine. Marco served it alongside an insalata bergera, a classic Piemontese salad featuring celery, toasted walnuts, and shaved bits of toma cheese and black truffle, all drizzled with richly flavored olive oil. The textures of these ingredients along with the savory flavors of the nuts, salty cheese, and earthy truffle mingled so beautifully with this delightful bianco that I was reminded a spectacular meal never requires the most expensive wine around.