An Exploration of Gavi Wine and the Charm of Gavi di Gavi
If you've ever enjoyed a glass of white wine, there's a good chance you've come across Gavi. This Italian favorite is more than just a household name in its home country; it's loved by wine enthusiasts worldwide, especially in the USA.
In this blog post, we will talk about Gavi wine. I've been a sommelier for quite a while, so I'm excited to share what I've learned over the years. We'll start with the history of Gavi, so you can see how it became the famous wine it is today.
But it's not all about the past. I'll also take you behind the scenes to meet some of the top producers of Gavi today. Whether you're looking for a bottle to enjoy at home or want to impress at your next dinner party, I have some great recommendations.
And of course, we can't talk about wine without discussing food. Throughout the post, I'll share my favorite pairings for Gavi. These are combinations that I've come to love over the years, and I think you'll enjoy them too.
Getting to Know Gavi: The Star White Wine of Piedmont
You might be wondering, what exactly is Gavi? Let me break it down for you. Gavi isn't just the name of wine; it's also the name of a city. "Gavi," sometimes referred to as "Cortese di Gavi," hails from the distinguished white wine DOCG zone in the beautiful Piedmont, Italy region. This specific area, spanning about 1,200 hectares, encircles the city of Gavi and is the birthplace of this fabulous wine.
But what makes Gavi wine so special? It's all about the grape. At the core of every Gavi bottle is Cortese, considered the finest white grape of Piedmont. This grape is truly the show's star, bringing Gavi its unique and lovable traits. Cortese imparts a distinctive crispness to the wine and a bouquet of floral and peachy aromas that make every sip a delightful experience.
Here's a tip from your friendly neighborhood sommelier: Gavi wines are best enjoyed young. This means you don't have to wait years to open a bottle. So, the next time you see a Gavi on the shelf or on a wine list, try it!
Next up, we'll delve a little deeper into the history of Gavi and see how this humble grape from a small Italian city won the hearts of wine lovers around the globe. Stay tuned!
Tracing Gavi's Roots: A Journey Through Time
Did you know that Gavi has a rich history that dates back centuries? In fact, there are records of vineyards in Gavi as early as the year 972! It's fascinating to think that the tradition of making this delightful wine has been handed down through generations, evolving with time and adapting to changes yet retaining its unique character.
The 1950s marked a key moment for Gavi wine. A visionary named Vittorio Soldati saw the potential of this humble grape and created "Gavi di Gavi" on his La Scolca estate. ( We will talk later ) This wine became the talk of the town in the 1970s, and people couldn't get enough of it.
Gavi's fame and reputation only grew from there. It was officially recognized with DOC status in 1974, acknowledging its quality and importance in Italy's wine landscape. Just over two decades later, in 1998, it was elevated to the prestigious DOCG rank, an honor reserved for the very best wines in Italy. Gavi continued to grow and adapt, expanding its offerings with additional wine types in 2010.
But enough of the past. While it's always important to appreciate where we come from, let's look at Gavi today and discover why it continues to win over wine lovers worldwide.
Keep reading!
Unraveling the Magic of Cortese, the Key to Gavi Wine
Before we dive into the Gavi of today, let's take a closer look at the star of the show - the Cortese grape. This is the white grape variety used to make Gavi wine. It's like the main character in our story!
Cortese is pretty special. It creates wines with light, fresh aromas, like lemon, apple, pear, and white flowers. Regarding taste, Cortese gives Gavi a crisp, sharp flavor and a medium body - think of it as not too light but not too heavy.
But here's the thing: Cortese is a bit delicate. Its thin skin makes it more vulnerable to diseases, especially when it rains. So, after the grapes are carefully picked and pressed, the juice (or, as we wine folks call it, the 'must') must be treated at just the right temperature to become wine. This is what we call 'fermentation'.
To make the aromas and flavor even more intense, some high-quality Gavi wines are left with the grape skins for a few hours before starting the fermentation. After that, the wine is usually kept in stainless steel containers to keep its fruit flavors fresh and vibrant.
While many Gavi wines are perfect for drinking immediately, some can be kept for a few years to develop even more complex flavors. These wines are typically good quality and reasonably priced, although there are some more expensive, premium options too.
When you see "Gavi" or "Cortese di Gavi" DOCG on a wine bottle, the wine is made 100% from Cortese grapes and follows specific rules, including how much wine can be made from a certain vineyard area. If you see "Gavi di Gavi" DOCG, it means the grapes come specifically from around the town of Gavi.
Big names in Gavi production include Castellari Bergaglio and La Scolca, but many other winemakers are creating fantastic Gavi wines. Now, let's explore what Gavi looks like today and what other styles you might find. Keep reading; the world of Gavi is full of surprises!
Exploring Today's Gavi: From Crisp Whites to Bubbly Delights
Modern Gavi is quite a versatile performer! While it still holds its place as a beloved white wine, Gavi has also branched out into the world of sparkling wines. Yes, that's right - Gavi isn't just a still-white wine anymore; it's got a playful, bubbly side, too!
So, let's get to know the different styles:
White Gavi (Bianco): This classic Gavi is made from 100% Cortese grapes. It's the Gavi we all know and love!
Riserva White Gavi: Think of this as a more refined, grown-up version of the White Gavi. It's aged for a longer period, which makes its flavors more complex.
Gavi Frizzante: This is a lightly sparkling version of Gavi. If you imagine the bubbles in a soda, frizzante would be more like a gentle fizz than big, frothy bubbles.
Gavi Spumante: This is the fully sparkling Gavi. It's made from 100% Cortese, just like the others, but with a more vibrant, bubbly personality. The bubbles in spumante are more intense and last longer than those in frizzante.
Riserva Spumante Metodo Classico: This is the ultimate sparkling Gavi. It's aged even longer than the regular spumante, giving it a sophisticated edge.
So, what's the difference between spumante and frizzante? Well, it's all about the bubbles. Spumante has many persistent, tiny bubbles, like a party in a glass. Frizzante, on the other hand, is more subtle, with fewer, softer bubbles.
All these styles of Gavi spend time aging before they're ready for us to enjoy. Depending on the type, this could be anything from a few months to a few years. The Riserva wines are aged the longest, making their flavors even richer.
Whether you're after the classic White Gavi, a lightly bubbly Frizzante, a lively Spumante, or an elegant Riserva, there's a Gavi for everyone and every occasion. Now, isn't that something to raise a glass to? Let's journey on and discover more about this fascinating wine region!
Pairing Gavi: The Perfect Match for Every Occasion
So, now that we're familiar with the different styles of Gavi let's talk about one of my favorite topics: food pairings! Yes, Gavi is a pleasure to sip on its own and plays well with food. Let's explore some perfect matches for your next meal or gathering.
Sparkling Gavi: These bubbly delights are excellent party starters! Their lively bubbles and bright flavors make them great for welcoming guests. They pair beautifully with light appetizers, like shrimp cocktails, caprese skewers, or a fancy cheese platter. Imagine a soft cheese with some fresh fruit, a slice of crusty bread, and a glass of sparkling Gavi - now that's a way to kick off a party!
Gavi Frizzante: With its gentle fizz, frizzante makes a fantastic companion for lighter dishes. Try it with a fresh salad or a platter of sushi. The subtle bubbles and crisp flavors will wonderfully complement the fresh greens and fish, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth.
White Gavi: The classic white Gavi shines with grilled fish or chicken dishes. The wine's citrusy notes and medium body balance the savory flavors of the grilled dishes, making each bite and sip a delightful experience. Try it with grilled salmon or chicken kebabs for a perfect summer meal.
Riserva White Gavi: The more complex flavors of a Riserva call for more substantial dishes. Consider pairing it with creamy pasta dishes, like fettuccine alfredo or carbonara. The wine's acidity will cut through the creaminess, making for a balanced and indulgent meal.
Remember, these are just suggestions - part of the fun of wine is finding perfect pairings! So, don't be afraid to experiment and try Gavi with different foods. You might just discover your new favorite combination!
Now, let's dive deeper into the world of Gavi and see where you can buy these wonderful wines.
Meet the Makers: La Scolca, A Century-Old Gem in the Heart of Gavi
Click the picture for more details!
Let's get to know one of Gavi's most respected producers - La Scolca. Rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, this family-owned winery has created exceptional Gavi wine for over a century. Their story is as rich and vibrant as the wines they produce.
Located in the stunning hills of Rovereto Superiore, within the Gavi DOCG region of Piedmont, Italy, La Scolca proudly tends to vineyards that range from 5 to 60 years old. They produce various wines, including the renowned Gavi Dei Gavi, Gavi Black Label, and Gavi Oro.
La Scolca's Gavi Dei Gavi, made from 100% Cortese grapes, stands as the winery's shining star. These grapes are handpicked from their oldest vineyards, some over 60 years old. It's worth noting that La Scolca's Cortese grapes yield is less than 80 q./ha, which is lower than the maximum allowed by Gavi DOCG regulations. This limited yield contributes to the concentrated, rich flavors of their wines.
Since its founding in 1919, La Scolca has been handed down through four generations, each upholding the family's commitment to creating high-quality wines. Beyond their remarkable history, they are also recognized for their sustainable agriculture practices, showing love and respect for the art of winemaking and the land that provides their precious grapes.
Sourcing Your Gavi: Find the Perfect Bottle on Wine.com
Alright, you're now equipped with all the juicy details about Gavi, and you're probably asking, "Where can I buy a bottle to try?" For our friends in the US, I've got just the place - Wine.com.
Wine.com is a treasure trove of wine selections, and their Gavi offerings are nothing short of impressive. Whether you're looking for the acclaimed Gavi Dei Gavi from La Scolca or want to explore other producers, you'll find a bottle that matches your taste.
What's even better? They provide excellent deals and deliver your chosen Gavi right to your doorstep. That's right - no need to leave the comfort of your home; your next favorite Gavi is just a click away.
Here's something else to sweeten the deal. If you purchase through Wine.com using our affiliate link, you'll support our blog, allowing us to continue sharing our wine wisdom with you. We'd like to extend a heartfelt 'Thank you' in advance for your support!
So, there you have it! A deep dive into Gavi wine, its charming history, the magical Cortese grape, and where to buy a bottle. Now all that's left is for you to uncork (or unscrew) a bottle, pour a glass, and enjoy the crisp, fruity, and floral delights of Gavi.
Salute!
Alper, Advanced Sommelier
