THE TERRITORY
Gavi is located in Piedmont, Italy, between Liguria and Monferrato. The climate is moderate continental with hot and dry summers, tempered by the influence of winds from the Ligurian Sea and the mild temperature, and excellent sunshine in September. Rainfalls are mainly from October to April. The Gavi land is divided into three bands: the red soils (from the ironing out of the gravels mixed with clay of ancient alluvial deposits in the north of Gavi), a central strip (an alternation of marl and sandstone), and the southern part (white clayey marls). Cortese is the main grape variety.
THE WINES
The Gavi DOCG wines are realised in all or part of the territories of 11 municipalities in the province of Alessandria: Bosio, Capriata d’Orba, Carrosio, Francavilla Bisio, Gavi, Novi Ligure, Parodi Ligure, Pasturana, San Cristoforo, Serravalle Scrivia and Tassarolo. These wines are protected and promoted by Consorzio Tutela del Gavi. You can find three different and clear types of white wine made from Cortese grapes only. Still, the most common and versatile version, as well as being traditional and recognisable. Sparkling, produced in small quantities, it enhances the characteristics of Cortese grapes, developing complexity with ageing. Riserva, the most structured and complex expression for a very tiny production but growth, a great potential for its longevity, needs at least 12 months for ageing (6+ months in bottle).