Langhe Riesling "Stones and Sand" 2024

Giovanni Almondo's "Sassi e Sabbia" 2024 Riesling is born in Roero, from sandy vineyards that enhance the finesse and tension of this noble grape variety.

"Sassi e Sabbia" 2024 is Giovanni Almondo's interpretation of Riesling, born in the heart of Roero, where the vines grow on sandy, loose soils with good exposure and a well-ventilated microclimate. These conditions enhance the precision and verticality of the grape variety, creating a wine that speaks more German than Piedmontese – but with a Roero accent, of course.

In the vineyard, work is carried out with respect for the environment and meticulous attention to detail, while in the cellar, the focus is on purity: slow fermentation in stainless steel, no shortcuts, just time and patience. The goal? To deliver a wine that is clear, sharp, consistent with its origin, without frills but with great identity. It's Riesling according to Almondo, and it takes itself seriously – even when its name suggests poetry more than wine.

The Winery: Giovanni Almondo

After graduating in Agricultural Sciences in 1980, Domenico Almondo gave impetus to quality viticulture for his small family farm located in Montà d'Alba, the Almondo family's "home" since the 14th century. Domenico understood from a young age how the acidic sandy variety of the Roero soils in Montà could yield unique Arneis wines, characterized by fascinating sapidity, elegance, and personality. All the vineyards are cultivated personally by Domenico and his sons Stefano and Federico; the 18 hectares of property are all within the municipality of Montà d'Alba, but thanks to the differences in the formation of the Roero soils, they boast entirely different characteristics:

The northern soils, at an altitude of approximately 320-350 meters, are composed of marine sands mixed with more recent fluvial deposits, and are often interspersed with clay veins rich in mineral salts, which is why they are destined for the cultivation of white grape varieties, mainly Arneis and a small part of Riesling;

The southern soils, at an altitude of approximately 250-320 meters, have an older sandy formation. They are of marine origin, with many species of fossil mollusks. These soils, richer in mineral elements, are ideal for fruity, delicate, and saline reds. When this matrix blends with silty soil, richer in clay and more calcareous (which originated from deeper and older marine bedrock), the ideal pedological conditions are created for structured red wines, such as Nebbiolo.

The cellar was completely renovated in 2015 and today combines technology and tradition: after the entirely manual grape harvest, the baskets are kept in a temperature-controlled room, followed by a light pressing. Fermentations take place in stainless steel tanks with temperature control, and all work in the cellar involves the use of inert gas.

The Almondo company has undoubtedly succeeded in enhancing the characteristics of the Roero soils, giving the wines a style made of great aromas, fragrance, and minerality.