In the grand scheme of obscure Italian varieties, Erbaluce (Erb-a-loo-chey) might be one of the most; there are only 188 hectares of vines planted in all of Piedmont, compared to over a thousand of Cortese/Gavi (itself not exactly a household name). It's an alpine variety that thrives in the cool temps and bright sunshine. Though by no means as grassy as Sauvignon Blanc or even Gruner Veltliner, Erbaluce's profile definitely reminds you of a sun-washed mountain hillsides and snow melt. In addition to any of the alpine cheeses available in our Cheese Shop, this also complements air-cured beef and salumi.