Gavi

• Cortese: exclusively used in Gavi wines, delivering light-bodied, bone-dry wines with high acidity and subtle aromas.
• Gavi (Tranquillo): still wine offering crisp notes of lemon, grapefruit, white peach, and green apple, with a hint of bitter almond and a stony finish.
• Gavi Frizzante: slightly fizzy, enhancing the citrus and floral notes with gentle effervescence.
• Gavi Spumante: fully sparkling, including traditional-method versions, with fine bubbles accentuating classic citrus and floral aromas.
• Gavi Riserva: aged versions that can develop complex honeyed or nutty flavors over time.

The Gavi region features hilly terrain with vineyards on steep slopes up to 400–500 meters high. The unique soil mix of calcareous clay-marl with gravelly and flinty layers provides excellent drainage. This adds a distinct mineral quality to the wines. In areas with more limestone, a floral note is present.

The warm-temperate climate, influenced by the sea, is crucial for grape growth. Cool breezes from the Gulf of Genoa keep the grapes' acidity in check. Mild spring and fall seasons, with warm days and cool nights, boost the wines' aromatic complexity while maintaining freshness. These conditions, along with sunny weather and mineral-rich soils, create Gavi wines with refined minerality and a savory character.

The renowned Gavi region in Piedmont is home to several exceptional wineries, each contributing to the area's esteemed reputation for producing exquisite Cortese wines. Here are some of the noteworthy wineries:

• La Scolca: A historic winery credited with setting the benchmark for Gavi dei Gavi, renowned for its elegant and age-worthy Cortese creations.
• Villa Sparina: Known for its diverse range of still and sparkling Cortese wines, this estate combines cutting-edge cellars with a commitment to quality.
• Broglia: A champion of traditional, mineral-rich Gavi, Broglia is celebrated for its balanced single-vineyard wines.
• Fontanassa: This family-run winery is famous for its pure Cortese wines, offering a generous texture while maintaining freshness.
• Cooperatives: These play a vital role by gathering grapes from small producers, ensuring a variety of styles and sustaining the appellation's quality.

In the Gavi region of Piedmont, a strong shift toward sustainable winemaking is underway, aligning with broader environmental goals. Wineries are enhancing soil quality and biodiversity by using cover crops and grassing, which also help prevent erosion. Integrated pest management is replacing synthetic chemicals, with some vineyards exploring organic and biodynamic approaches.

Water conservation is a priority, achieved through drip irrigation and water recycling within the wineries. Energy efficiency is also gaining traction, with the installation of solar panels and improved insulation in cellars. The Consorzio del Gavi actively supports these efforts by providing technical assistance and educational resources. This movement reflects a commitment to harmonizing traditional winemaking with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Gavi wines continue to express their unique terroir while protecting the land for future generations.

Wine tourism in Gavi offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the medieval village of Gavi, home to the majestic Forte di Gavi, which overlooks the lush vineyards.

Wine routes connect various estates, where guided tastings and cellar tours are complemented by local cuisine, often featuring Gavi wines paired with Ligurian-Piedmontese dishes.

• Scenic Wine Routes: Engage in guided tastings and enjoy farm-to-table meals at agriturismi.
• Outdoor Adventures: Cycle and hike through rolling vineyards and nearby natural areas.
• Festivals: Attend autumn wine fairs and harvest celebrations that highlight new wine releases.

Gavi's accessibility from Genoa and Turin makes it ideal for day trips or weekend retreats, offering a comprehensive experience that showcases the region's commitment to quality and sustainability.