PRODUTTORI DEL GAVI, Italy

With 220ha between them, the 95 farmers in this co-operative boast the largest vineyard holding in Gavi DOCG, which contains a number of organically certified vineyards as well as vines up to 90 years old. Today, its members are led by oenologist Andrea Pancotti. The local terroir is characterized by thin, calcareous white soils that have proved ideal for growing the native Cortese grape. Perfumed by the brackish wind that blows in from the sea, these wines are superbly lean and with great finesse.

Viticulture

What makes these wines so special is the microclimate of the area, where the sea wind that blows from the Ligurian Sea meets the Apennines and its snow. The sea offers good ventilation and permit a long ripening period, encouraging the grapes take on colour, aromas and sugar level increase slowly. The soil is heterogeneous, allowing the Cortese grape to express different aspects of its character. They receive a lot of snow in winter, followed by nourishing rain in spring. The summer months are characterised by long, warm sunshine days, followed by cool evenings – the diurnal range is vital in creating balanced Gavi wines, with concentration of flavours and crisp acidity.

Winemaking

Oenologist, Andrea Pancotti, coordinates the creation of these wines. When the grapes arrive they are weighed, graded and discharged according to the sugar content and type. The regulation for DOCG wines is to ensure high quality and precision, the technology Produttori del Gavi possesses in their cellar allows a total respect for this. With hygiene and temperature controls, Andrea enables detailed traceability of each individual tank.