DOC Gavi D.O.C.G. o Cortese di Gavi D.O.C.G. wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Denominazione di Origine Controllata

The Gavi D.O.C.G. lies in the far south-east of Piedmont, in the province of Alessandria, where the Po plain meets the first foothills of the Ligurian Apennines, some thirty kilometres from the sea. The appellation covers eleven communes: Bosio, Capriata d'Orba, Carrosio, Francavilla Bisio, Gavi, Novi Ligure, Parodi Ligure, Pasturana, San Cristoforo, Serravalle Scrivia and Tassarolo. The vines are planted on hillsides, over three soil types: red soils of ancient alluvial origin in the north, around Novi Ligure and Tassarolo, a central band of marls and sandstones around Serravalle Scrivia, Gavi and San Cristoforo, and white clay marls of marine origin toward the Apennines. The climate benefits from sea breezes off Liguria that temper hot, dry summers, while September brings mild weather and good sunshine, favourable to the final stage of ripening. Cortese is the sole grape variety authorised here.

The wines of this appellation

Gavi D.O.C.G. is a white wine produced in several styles: still, frizzante, spumante and riserva, the latter including a spumante version made by the classic method. Its colour is straw yellow with greenish highlights. The nose is delicate and elegant, showing fresh fruit and white flowers, with hints of citrus and bitter almond. On the palate it is dry, full, fresh and harmonious, with finesse and elegance. Riserva versions develop a broader range of aromas and a fuller, richer palate, gaining tertiary nuances with age while keeping their freshness, which makes them white wines suited to cellaring. These wines traditionally accompany Ligurian cuisine, built around fish, lean meats and vegetables.