Quintodecimo Greco di Tufo Jaune d'Arles 2024
Quintodecimo Greco di Tufo Jaune d'Arles 2024
91 pts Vinous
Drinking Window: 2025-2029
Airy and fresh, the 2024 Giallo d'Arles wafts up with a whiff of white smoke and stone dust, giving way to lime zest, green melon and chlorophyll. Salty minerals contrast with candied citrus and tart Granny Smith apple over soothingly round textures. The 2024 finishes poised and crisp with a saline resonance and nuances of mint. - By Eric Guido on September 2025
Terroir
“Giallo d’Arles” comes from select parcels in Tufo, at the heart of the Greco di Tufo DOCG, where Greco reaches its pinnacle of structure and minerality. The vineyards sit between 450–500 meters above sea level, benefiting from significant day–night temperature variation that locks in acidity and aromatic complexity. The soils are a mix of calcareous clay and compacted volcanic ash interlaced with sulfur-rich mineral deposits—an ancient geological fingerprint that imparts the wine’s hallmark flinty, smoky character. The exposure is primarily south-facing, ensuring optimal ripening while maintaining the taut, linear style typical of the region.
Vinification
Grapes are hand-harvested in early to mid-October, when phenolic ripeness and acidity are in perfect balance. After gentle pressing, the juice undergoes cold settling before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel to preserve aromatic precision. A small proportion is fermented in large French oak barrels to add depth and texture without overshadowing varietal character. The wine ages on its fine lees for several months, with bâtonnage to enhance mouthfeel and longevity. Bottling takes place in the spring following harvest to capture freshness and minerality.
Tasting Notes
The 2024 vintage offers an intense yet refined expression of Greco di Tufo. In the glass, it glows a deep, golden straw—reminiscent of the yellow pigment “Jaune d’Arles” used by Van Gogh, from which the wine takes its name. Aromas open with ripe apricot, pear, and yellow plum, layered with chamomile, wild fennel, and a distinct smoky–mineral undertone. On the palate, it is full-bodied and textural, with a core of succulent stone fruit and Meyer lemon framed by firm acidity and a persistent saline edge. The finish is long, clean, and slightly savory, leaving hints of almond, honeycomb, and wet stone.
Serving & Pairing
Serve at 10–12 °C. This Greco is an exceptional match for richer seafood preparations such as lobster with saffron butter, roasted turbot, or tuna tartare. It also pairs beautifully with white meats, aged pecorino, or porcini mushroom risotto. Its structure and minerality give it excellent aging potential—five to seven years will bring out deeper nutty and honeyed nuances.