Gavi

About the wine

Gavi DOCG, also known as Cortese di Gavi, is one of Italy’s most prestigious white wines, produced exclusively from the Cortese grape in the southeastern corner of Piedmont. This denomination is celebrated for its elegance, crisp acidity, and distinct mineral character, which are direct results of the region's unique terroir—a transition zone between the Apennines and the plains featuring limestone-clay and marl soils. The wine is produced in several styles, including still, frizzante, and spumante, with the latter often crafted via the traditional method. The regulation mandates that all grapes must be sourced from hilly vineyards, excluding valley floors, to ensure optimal ripening and quality. The resulting wines are typically straw-yellow in color with delicate floral and fruity aromas, offering a dry, harmonious, and refreshing palate. The Riserva and Riserva Spumante Metodo Classico categories represent the pinnacle of the denomination, requiring extended aging periods to develop greater complexity and structure. Gavi remains a benchmark for Italian white wine, balancing historical tradition with modern viticultural precision.

Grape varieties

Production & aging

The production zone is located in the southeastern part of the Alessandria province in Piedmont. It encompasses the entire territory of 11 communes: Gavi, Bosio, Carrosio, Capriata d'Orba, Francavilla Bisio, Novi Ligure, Parodi Ligure, Pasturana, San Cristoforo, Serravalle Scrivia, and Tassarolo. The area is characterized by hilly terrain with specific calcareous-clay-marly soils, excluding flat or humid valley floors.