While the Piemonte region in northwest Italy is known for it’s red wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, there are also charming, flavorful white wines that call this area home. Made in the region surrounding the town of Gavi, this juice comes from the Cortese grape. In fact, Cortese di Gavi is the real name. If you mention Cortese, most consider that synonomous with Gavi.
Interestingly enough, when we were in Barbaresco, at Albino Rocca, they were growing Cortese in the valleys of the rolling hills where their Barbaresco grapes grow. So it is not just restricted to the Gavi area. The Albino Rocca Cortese was delicious, and very Gavi-like. They just couldn’t call it that. You can read more about that here.
But here we’ll look at a true Gavi.
Wine: 2021 Riva Leone Gavi
Winery Location: Piemonte, Italy
Tasted By: Neil Date: Feb 2024
Tasting Notes: A light straw colr with greenish hues preceeds a nose of stone fruit, fig, lemon and other citrus. This has good mouthfeel, structure and a fruit filled palate. That fruit lingers throughout the long finish. This is a very pleasing wine overall and a great value as well.
Price Point – $15
Would We Buy It? – yes, absolutely. This is a screaming value at $15, and really drinks beautifully. It’s great by itself but will also pair well with many foods. Well done.
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot, especially on the white side of the aisle. This is a great example of that.
A votre santé!
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