Cascina Bongiovanni’s 2007 Langhe Arneis is made in a fairly rich, textured style, with pretty notes of honeyed fruit, flowers and smoke that emerge from its lush frame. Although this is a tasty wine, it lacks some of the verve and minerality that is the hallmark of Arneis grown in Roero, as opposed to the Langhe. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2009. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

There’s a palate of apricot and pear and a pleasant smokiness. Lively and pleasant on the front of the palate and it becomes a little too sharp and thin at the finish.——M.G.(12/31/2007)—— 84