Gavi wine

Gavi is a famous Italian white wine that comes from vineyards surrounding Gavi, a small town in Piedmont, in the north-west of Italy. The Piedmont region is famous for its winemaking and also produces rich Italian reds like Barbera and Barolo.  

Gavi wines have held DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status since 1974. In 1998, Gavi obtained DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status – Italy’s highest wine classification.   

Not only is this region inland towards the Alps, but it is quite high up. There are 11 towns around Gavi that form the Gavi appellation – located at the southern end of Piedmont bordering Liguria, a coastal region. This means that Gavi is not only influenced by the mountain ranges of the Alps, but also benefits from cooling Mediterranean breezes, particularly in the summer.   

A “Gavi di Gavi” wine means that the wine has come from the town of Gavi. But there are 11 towns that form the Gavi appellation (and therefore have strict production rules) including:

• Capriata d’Orba
• Bosio
• Francavilla Bisio
• Carrosio
• Gavi
• Parodi Ligure
• Novi Ligure
• San Cristoforo
• Pasturana
• Tassarolo
• Serravalle Scrivia  

Crafted from the indigenous Cortese grape variety, Gavi wines boast a refreshing and crisp character. The Cortese grape requires specific conditions in order for it to thrive … and this is why you’ll rarely find plantings outside of the Gavi appellation area. Gavi has mineral-rich soils which impart complex flavours to the grapes. Plus, the area’s warm climate enables the grapes to ripen, while the cooling breezes from the Mediterranean cause large night and day temperature variations helping to concentrate flavour further.  

This means that Gavi wines are bone dry and aromatic with refreshing and crisp acidity. They often have a pale green straw hue and display delicate floral aromas which are complemented by lemony citrus, apple, pear and honeydew flavours.

Cortese is the only grape allowed in Gavi wines. This grape has thin skins and natural high acidity … but this is balanced by the warm, sunny climate it is grown in.  

Green fruit and citrus flavours often dominate Gavi wines. These can include apple, pear, honeydew and lemon – but you’ll also floral and nutty aromas. Some Gavi wines also finish with subtle notes of almond.  

Ageing on lees adds a roundness and depth of flavour to Gavi wines, making elegant and delicate whites.

If you enjoy wines with a crisp, clean taste, Gavi wines are a good choice for you – this is because Gavi is bone dry. The Cortese grape used to make Gavi wines offers a crisp profile, making them a refreshing tipple for those who prefer dry white wines.

Gavi and Pinot Grigio are both white wines from Italy.  

Cortese, the grape used to make Gavi wines is thin-skinned and produces dry, light-bodied wines with high acidity. Primary notes in Gavi wines are often:

• Floral aromas (particularly blossom)
• Green fruits (apple and pear)
• Citrus (lemon)  

Gavi wines are typically not matured in oak – these wines are not intended to age as they are best enjoyed young.  

Meanwhile, Pinot Grigio is typically produces dry, light-bodied wines with medium to high acidity. Primary notes of Pinot Grigio include:

• Green apple
• Lemon
• Lime 
• Pear  

Pinot Grigio is often simple and unoaked.   

So, while both Gavi and Pinot Grigio wines have their own distinct flavour profiles, these wines do share some similarities.

Gavi is a dry white wine with high acidity … and this means it’s incredibly food friendly.  

It pairs exceptionally well with light dishes like olives, salad, grilled vegetables and soups.  

Gavi wines also pair well with mushroom risotto, paella, pasta dishes, fish and seafood. But you’ll also see Gavi wines served with various types of cheese – they go especially well with Italian cheeses like:

• Taleggio
• Stracchino
• Brunet
• Capra Sarda
• Robiola di Roccaverano     

In Piedmont, you’ll often find Gavi paired with local specialities such as:

• Tajarin al Tartufo (truffle pasta)
• Risotto Primavera (asparagus, peas, courgette)
• Chicken in white wine sauce

Gavi wines rarely see any oak … so they usually enjoyed young and fresh. Always serve Gavi wines chilled, ideally between 7°C and 10°C. Serving at this temperature ensures the flavours and aromas remain fresh.   

Use a classic white glass when serving Gavi, specially one with a narrow bowl and tapered top. This helps to guide the wine’s aromatic profile to your nose.  

Learn more about wine serving temperatures.