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Cortese di Gavi (Italy)

Gavi (Cortese di Gavi) is a white wine from the Gavi area in Piemonte.

It is made exclusively from Cortese grapes.

Cortese di Gavi Flavors

Citrus and Peach flavors are commonly found in Gavi, with hints of Flowers, Herbs, and bitter Almonds.

Lime
Lime
Mandarin
Mandarin
Apple
Apple
Peach
Peach
Flowers
Flowers
Herbs
Herbs
Chalk
Seashell
Almonds
Almonds

Cortese di Gavi Profile

SUGAR:Very Dry
BODY:Light to Medium
FRUIT:Medium
ACIDITY:Medium - High
ALCOHOL:13% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)

Cortese di Gavi Food Pairing

Gavi is very food friendly.

It is often served with fish and seafood, pasta, risotto, and vegetarian dishes.

Antipasti
Antipasti
Olive Oil
Olive Oil
Salads
Salads
Vegetables
Vegetables
Fish
Fish
Crab
Seafood
Pasta
Pasta
Risotto
Risotto

Excellent Pairings

Olives. Olive Oil. Vinaigrette. Salad.
Fresh Herbs. Pesto. Basil. Spinach.
Grilled Vegetables. Soups.
Green Pasta. Mushroom Risotto.
Seafood Pasta or Risotto. Paella.
Sushi. Sashimi. Raw Fish. Tuna Tartare.

Piemonte Specialities

Chicken in White Wine Sauce.
Risotto Primavera (Asparagus, Peas, Zucchini).
Tajarin al Tartufo (Truffle Tagliatelle).
Rosemary Focaccia with Tomato Salad.

Ligurian Specialities

Grilled Fish with Lemon and Basil.
Fried Seafood. Shrimps. Calamari. Sardines.

Friulian Specialities

Asparagus With Prosciutto and Eggs. Friuli Speck. Prosciutto San Daniele.

The Ideal Glass for Cortese di Gavi

The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass.

It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas characteristic of zesty and fruity white wines.

Cortese di Gavi Cheese Pairing

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity. You can also add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Cortese di Gavi.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Cortese di Gavi.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Hard Cheeses

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Cortese di Gavi

You May Also Like:

Albariño (Spain)
Alvarinho (Portugal)
Assyrtiko (Greece)
Gavi (Italy)
Grechetto (Italy)
Greco di Tufo (Italy)
Moschofilero (Greece)
Pinot Bianco (Italy)
Sylvaner (France)
Riesling Dry (Germany)
Trebbiano (Italy)
Ugni Blanc (France)
Weissburgunder (Germany)

About Gavi

Documents from the year 972, in the State Archive of Genova mention vineyards in Gavi.

In 1782, the Marquis Andrea Doria wrote about Gavi, and his intentions to ship the wine to America, and Gavi was the first Italian white wine to gain international repute.

The name derives from the production zone, commune di Gavi, and Cortese, the grape variety from which it is made.

The current style of production dates to 1876.

Cortese DOC(G)

DOC status in 1974 and DOCG in 1998:

Grape variety: 100% Cortese
Minimum Alcohol: 10.5%
Minimum Acidity: 5
Maximum Yield: 9,5 tons/ha

The DOCG allows for spumante and metodo classico styles, but most Gavi is produced as a still (fermo) white wine.

The DOCG restricts the production to 11 towns in the Province of Alessandria in Piemonte:

Bosio, Capriata d'Orba, Carrosio, Francavilla Bisio, Gavi, Novi Ligure, Parodi Ligure, Pasturana, San Cristoforo, Serravalle Scrivia, Tassarolo.

Soil

Climate

Soil

Lime-Rich.
Calcareous Marl.

Soil

Cool/Mild Continental.
Hot and Dry Summers.
Cold and Wet Winters.
Rainy / Foggy Sping.


DOCG Regions in Piemonte


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