Arbe Garbe continues to be one of the most delicious, unique Whites we taste on a regular basis. Enrico Bertoz, former assistant winemaker for the legendary winery, Sine Qua Non, left Southern CA to come up to Napa Valley and become his own venture, Arbe Garbe. This newly released 2021 comes from Catie’s Corner Vineyard in Russian River Valley. In this grower vineyard is a little under 1-acre of Malvasia Bianca. The grower, Saralee Kunde, specifically grafted it for Enrico to use for Arbe Garbe. The vines grow on sandy loam soil, a typical sandstone formed by volcanic ash deposits on oceanic bottoms. A river benchland, Russian River Valley’s soil is also rich in alluvial materials. The characteristic climate of the Russian River region and its morning fogs make it ideal for bringing the fruit to full ripeness while preserving a satisfying level of acidity. 

Made from 100% Malvasia Bianca, Arbe Garbe leaps from the glass with notes of melon, lychee, and jasmine. The palate is bright and dry and utterly delicious, particularly with charcuterie, sushi or crudo. Enrico Bertoz was the former assistant winemaker for Sine Qua Non before starting Arbe Garbe, dedicated to highlighting varieties native to his Friuli region in Italy right here on the North Coast. Catie’s Corner Vineyard, with its distinct sandy soil, is located in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley and was grafted to Malvasia just for Enrico.