Giovanni Almondo

Giovanni Almondo wines come from a family-owned estate in Montà, in the Roero hills north of Alba, where the Almondo family has farmed for over 600 years. Domenico Almondo was the first to make wine commercially, in the early 1980s, and now his sons Stefano and Domenico run the operation across 18 hectares of meticulously tended vines. The house is known above all for Arneis—a white that speaks clearly of its soil and altitude—and for Nebbiolo grown on the estate's southern, calcareous parcels. What makes Giovanni Almondo wines stand out is the geological split of the Montà vineyard: the sandy, higher-acidity northern soils give the Arneis its aromatic brightness and mineral edge, while the marine-origin calcareous soils to the south suit the Nebbiolo's structure. The estate's signature is fresh, balanced, and food-friendly—wines that Barolo producers themselves order regularly.

About Giovanni Almondo

Domenico Almondo planted the first commercial vineyard in the early 1980s on land his family had occupied for centuries. He is now assisted by his sons Stefano and Domenico, with winemaker Federico Almondo overseeing production. The 18-hectare estate is split by geology: northern vineyards on sandy soils produce high-acidity Arneis; southern parcels on calcareous soils of marine origin grow Nebbiolo. The signature vineyard is Bricco delle Ciliegie, planted at 390 metres—the highest elevation in the Roero appellation—where 40-year-old Arneis vines trained in Guyot benefit from consistent wind, exposure, and the soil's acidity to develop aromatic expression and freshness. All grapes are hand-picked and fully destemmed; Arneis is fermented in stainless steel with indigenous and selected yeasts, then aged six months on fine lees with fortnightly battonage.

Giovanni Almondo Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 2024 Bricco Ciliegie Arneis (95 points): tangerine peel, marzipan, white flowers and jasmine on the nose; lemon peel and green pear on a long, elegant finish. Medium body, 13.5% ABV, naturally corked. The 2025 Bricco Ciliegie Arneis (89 points) is certified organic and shows similar aromatic clarity—marzipan and tangerine peel—with a slightly lower alcohol (13%). For a richer expression, try the Le Rive del Bricco delle Ciliegie Arneis (both 2023 and 2024 at 89 points): same fruit character but at £32 per bottle, suggesting greater depth or vineyard complexity. The 2022 Roero Bric Valdiana (89 points) is the red: 100% Nebbiolo, savory and classic, for those wanting to explore the estate's darker side. All are vegan-friendly.

Food Pairing

Bricco Ciliegie Arneis is a natural match for seafood pasta, risotto ai funghi, or mild goat's cheese. The salinity and green-pear finish cut through buttery sauces. Serve at 8–10°C. The Roero Nebbiolo suits roasted chicken, rabbit, or mushroom-driven dishes—its savoury structure demands food with a little earthiness or umami. Both whites and red work well on the aperitivo table with antipasti misti.

Who makes Giovanni Almondo wines?

A family-owned estate in Montà, Roero (Piedmont), run by Domenico Almondo and his sons Stefano and Domenico since the early 1980s. Winemaker is Federico Almondo. The family has farmed the land for over 600 years.

What style and grapes?

Primarily Arneis (white), grown on sandy soils at 390m altitude for aromatic brightness and acidity. The 2024 Bricco Ciliegie scored 95 points: medium body, tropical and balanced, with tangerine peel and jasmine. Also Nebbiolo (red) from calcareous southern parcels.

What's the price range?

Bricco Ciliegie Arneis ranges £22.80–£23.20 across recent vintages. Premium bottlings like Le Rive del Bricco delle Ciliegie sit at £32–£32.30. The Roero Nebbiolo is £33.50.