Gavi

A clear glass bottle of white wine with a blue screw cap and a white label featuring a profile of a woman's silhouette, text reading 'Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG BANFI,' and decorative floral elements.

Tasting Notes

Gavi is the wine that is produced using 100% Cortese grapes. The grape and the wine has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, with its origins in the Piedmont region of Italy. The grape, known for its high acidity and light flavors, has been cultivated in the southeastern regions of Piedmont, particularly in the provinces of Alessandria and Asti. The grape's history is marked by its ability to withstand grape diseases and produce large crop yields, making it a prized choice for winemakers. Today, it is one of Italy’s most refreshing and elegant white wines.

🎯 Overall Character - Gavi, the Cortese based wine is known for its freshness, crisp acidity and strong citrus based aromas and flavours. The fruitiness of the wine is complimented with floral notes and a saline minerality that gives it balance and character.

🌼 On the Nose (Aromatics) - The Cortese grape used to produce Gavi wine is delicate, fresh, and subtly aromatic. The wine has primary aromas of lemon zest, lime and grapefruit. it has Orchard fruit aromas of green apple, pear and white peach. The wine is also floral providing aromas of white flowers, acacia and chamomile. It has herbal notes of basil, fennel and almond leaf with accompanying mineral notes of chalk and wet stone. Secondary aromas of almond skin, light honey and subtle brioche (if wine is produced with lees contact).

🍏 On the Palate - Gavi is a light - medium body wine with medium to high acidity that is bright, crisp and refreshing. It can be sometime waxy or creamy depending on the fermentation method used. Flavours include lemon, green apple and pear for younger wines and peach, melon and citrus oil for older wines. It does have a distinctive minerality that provides notes of saline and wet stone. Alcohol levels are typically 12-13% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). The Cortese grape often though clean, citrus driven and refreshing can give the Gavi wine a slightly bitter almond note finish. This is a distinguishing marker for the Cortese based wine.

🕰️ Aging Profile - Gavi wine can typically age for 3 - 5 years but it is most often enjoyed as a young wine so one can enjoy its fresh, crisp and fruity characteristics.

Food Pairing

Gavi is a light‑bodied, citrus based wine with saline minerality that delivers bright acidity and delicate aromatics. The wine is a natural partner for delicate and fresh dishes.

🐟 1. Seafood & Shellfish (Top Pairing) - Gavi is made for seafood. It pairs naturally with Oysters, Scallops, Seafood salad, Linguine with clams, Lobster coral. The bright acidity, citrus flavours and minerality works in harmony with briny, delicate seafood.

🍝 2. Pasta (Especially Pesto) - Light pastas also pari well with Gavi. Ideal pasta parings include Pesto alla Genovese, Lasagne with pesto and any light seafood pasta. Cortese’s lemon, apple, pear and almond notes balance basil, pine nuts, and cheese.

🥗 3. Mediterranean Vegetables & Antipasti - Gavi’s freshness makes it ideal for light starter dishes. Best matches include Crostini with cheese of vegetables or Grilled vegetables (asparagus, artichokes, herbed zucchini). The minerality and citrus lift complements the green, herbal, and lightly bitter vegetables.

🧀 4. Soft & Young Cheeses - Gavi pairs well with mild, creamy cheeses such as Mozzarella, Young Pecorino and Robiola cheese. The acidity in the wine cuts through creaminess of the cheese.

A plate of freshly shucked oysters on ice with lemon wedges.

Oysters

A white bowl of shrimp pasta garnished with a sprig of parsley, some grated cheese, and black pepper, placed on a marble table.

Seafood Pasta

Seared scallops on a white plate with colorful cauliflower and garnish.

Scallops

Grilled vegetables on a black slate serving platter including zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers, with a bowl of mixed greens salad in the background.

Grilled Vegetables