Cortese di Gavi or Gavi, produced from the Cortese grape, is a fresh and crisp white wine produced in Gavi. It is predominantly crafted as a still wine but can also be sparkling. Gavi is made within the municipality of Gavi situated between the northwestern Italian regions of Liguria (with which it was once a part), and Piedmont, in the province of Alessandria. Cortese has been cultivated in Gavi since at least the 17th century and the first recorded mention of Gavi wine dates back to 1614.
The municipality of Gavi is said to have been named after the French princess Gavia who fled to this area with a soldier after her father refused to grant them permission to be married. Gavia’s father ultimately relented, and the queen of the area gifted the couple with the land that was named Gavi in honor of the princess.
Gavi was granted a DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) in 1974, and a DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) in 1998. Both the DOC and the DOCG guarantee the quality and provenance of Gavi wines, but the DOCG is given only to those wines that conform to the highest standards of production.
Gavi DOCG is produced within 11 municipalities. The label “Gavi di Gavi DOCG” is given to wines made within the central area of Gavi that meet or exceed the highest bar established for these standards.
Gavi wines are made exclusively from the Cortese grape, a white grape variety that thrives in Gavi’s calcareous and clay soil. The terroir, and the temperate climate, characterized by warm days, cool nights, and plenty of precipitation, are ideal for cultivating the naturally acidic Cortese to produce crisp, floral, and mineral-driven wines with balanced sugar.
Color: Gavi is pale straw-yellow in color with a fresh and aromatic profile.
Structure: Light to medium-bodied, making it a refreshing and easy-drinking wine.
Varieties: Still white.
Frizzante: gently sparkling (1 to 2.5 bars of pressure).
Spumante: sparkling (3+ bars of pressure).
Aromas: White flower, green apple, almond, and fresh herb.
Notes: Crisp and dry with vibrant acidity and balanced minerality, and citrus and orchard fruit, grass, and nuts.
A masterclass and tasting hosted by Wine Enthusiast in partnership with the Consorzio Tutela del Gavi was held at the historic Hotel Chelsea in New York City. Wine Enthusiast Writer at Large, Jeff Porter, guided members of the media and trade through a tasting of Gavi DOCG that impressed on many levels.
Check out this list of noteworthy Gavi. They are equally perfect for enjoying as an aperitif on a terrace or garden patio, as with an array of seafood-centered fare and spicier cuisines.
Cascina Gentile, Confine Gavi DOCG, 2023
Il Poggio di Gavi, Nuvole Sul Poggio, 2023
La Chiara, Black Label Gavi DOCG del Commune di Gavi, 2023
La Ghibellina, Mainin Gavi DOCG del Comune di Gavi, 2023
La Raia, Pleo Gavi DOCG, 2023
Marchese Luca Spinola, Carlo Gavi DOCG del Comune di Gavi, 2023
Roberto Sarotto, Manenti Gavi DOCG del Comune di Gavi, 2023
Tenuta la Giustiniana, Lugarara Gavi DOCG del Comune di Gavi, 2023
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