Italian vintage wines are worthy of the collection of a real gourmet. The unique climate of these places allows you to grow elite grape varieties, which opens up the broadest prospects for the production of the best wine in the world. Light, tasty, retaining the aroma of summer and the warmth of the sun, they give joy on holidays and weekdays. Today we consider several varieties that are both a symbol of quality and prestige.
Winery area
The wine-growing zone is the place where luxurious vineyards are located, where the vine gives precious berries every year. This is the southeast of Piedmont, where the unique natural conditions make it possible to grow them in the required quantity. Such grapes are used to make Gavi wine, which is known all over the world. The wine-growing zone is located on the very border with Liguria, only 30 km from the sea. Thus, “Gavi” is not the name of the variety, but an indication of the area in which the raw materials were grown.
History
We will take a dip in the past days and see how the vineyard originated, in which today the Gavi wine is produced. They have been making wine here since time immemorial. The first historical document dates from the year 972. Even then, people were well aware of the use of the gifts of the local vine. And the first written records date back to the 17th century. The historical sources of this time mention the famous vine of Cortese, which was planted near the castle.
Yesterday and today
Wine "Gavi" quickly gained popularity. Not surprising, since it is of high quality. This was the best reason to increase the area of vineyards. Production volumes grew rapidly. By 1988, the product received the DOCG category. Today, vineyards occupy almost 1,500 hectares and cover 11 communes. Gavi wine is a varietal wine, that is, only one grape variety is used for its production. Production technology has not changed for hundreds of years.
Take a look at the winery
Wine "Gavi" (Italy) is produced in the following variations: quiet, sparkling, classic. For aging, stainless barrels and vats are traditionally used. Today, 70% of the total volume of the drink is exported, which is approximately four million liters per year.
It is not surprising that every connoisseur is simply obliged to have Italian Gavi wine in his collection. A strong feature of this drink is its lightness and freshness. Although lovers of heavy red wines note that he has his own zest. Among the delicate aromas one can easily distinguish white flowers and citrus notes, acacia honey. Experts say that when the first taste sensations become slightly dull, sweet almonds and spices, peach and white fruits are clearly felt. A light floral-fruity finish completes this splendor.
Ideal for an aperitif
This elegant wine is perfect for a special occasion or Sunday lunch. The level of alcohol is low, so even an absolute teetotaler can afford a small glass. It is an ideal aperitif to accompany vegetable dishes, various snacks and fish soups. Although no one will forbid serving them under hot. Someone prefers to drink dessert with them, but sweet red wines are better for this. If you have already tried them and consider yourself a connoisseur of a sparkling drink, then you probably know that there are several varieties of Gavi. They depend on the area in which the grapes were grown and harvested. As a rule, it is difficult for a simple layman to discern all the subtleties of taste, but professionals say that the difference between them is obvious.
Winery = name of grape
It is allowed to put on the label. It allows customers to understand in which commune the vine was grown, with which the berries were harvested. For example, Cavi dei Cavi can only use La Scolca farm. It is a registered trademark, but does not mean at all that this drink is the best of all Italian wines. However, it was this farm that became the first to bottle Gavi. And this happened back in 1950.
Rovereto Hill is another historical place where this winery picks berries. The lands here are rich in iron and clay, and berries collected from vines give rise to intense wines with a bright character. So the wine “Gavi Valentino” appeared. Traditionally, it is aged in stainless vats, and the storage potential is 2-3 years.
Characteristics of the drink
II Valentino DOCG is a light straw colored drink. The aroma is recognizable the first time. It attracts with a fresh cocktail, which is woven from white fruits and wildflowers, as well as fragrant herbs. But flavor is half the battle. Much more important is the taste, which can be called very good. The wine has a fresh and clean taste with floral shades, the aroma of herbs and stone fruits. The bouquet is complemented by piquant sourness and a soft finish. The drink is served at the beginning of the meal, it is perfect for seafood and salad, fish and pasta.
The abundance of wineries
On the territory, which is suitable for growing grape varieties of Cortese, today there are about 400 farms. Each of them seeks to put information about themselves on the label. Of course, they are engaged in the cultivation of the best Gavi wine. The grape variety is unchanged, but the vine growing conditions leave their mark.
La Giustiniana is one of the oldest farms in the Gavi area. It is located in the territory of Rovereto. As mentioned above, the soils here are rich in iron and clay, which affects the taste of berries. For the production of a drink, winemakers collect fruits from two different sites. It turns out completely different wine style:
- Gavi del Comune di Gavi is rich and very interesting. It is perfect for a romantic evening. Like a bouquet of delicate flowers and a basket of ripe fruit, it will fill the evening with the most pleasant experience. Wine with good acidity, which becomes more interesting with age, acquiring a smoky tone.
- Wine "Gavi del Comune" - for him, the berries are taken from the site where the vine grows on "white" soil. The aroma is elegant and very delicate. White flowers and a green apple, pear and citruses are felt. Almond bitterness is present in the aftertaste.
If you have not tried any of these wines, then take both at once. In the tasting process, be sure to highlight which one you like best.
Nicola Bergaglio
Pretty big vineyard. It occupies 17 hectares, located on the hill of Rovereto. Two types of wine are produced - base and Minaia. Only selected grapes are produced. The drink has an elegant fruity taste. If you want to win the heart of a woman, then buy this particular wine. Light, delicate and fantastically delicious, it will forever remain the best memory. The price in the retail network is from 2000 rubles.
Castello di Tassarolo
Region of production - Piedmont. Ripe berries are not trusted in the machines for picking berries, so the production uses exclusively manual labor. Winemakers say it matters a lot. Berries are delivered to a pneumatic press. To get a drink of the best quality, only the first, most delicate juice is used. It immediately enters the tank, where it will remain all the time while the fermentation is taking place.
The output is a light straw drink with a light greenish tint. It has a delicate and light aroma in which exotic fruits and citrus fruits are distinctly felt. The taste is soft, with a long and very pleasant finish. In specialized stores, the cost of one bottle is about 1900 rubles.
Cantina produttori del gavi
This farm was established in 1950. Today it includes 120 vineyards. It produces a wide range of wines that are distinguished by quality and excellent quality:
- Primi Grappoli Gavi is a light drink that reminds of summer. It is distinguished by apple-citrus aromas, freshness and lightness.
- Maddalena Gavi - This wine has a more intense aroma, which will include notes of apples and white flowers, as well as citrus fruits. Judging by the reviews of experts, the drink attracts with its spring freshness and unique charm.
- Aureliana Gavi - made from berries grown on red lands. More ripe, fruity and slightly sweet in aroma, velvety. Connoisseurs emphasize its special warmth, like a sun, it is poured into glasses, recalling the summer.
- Launches this economy and the classic "Gavi." The wine is white, dry, very elegant and delicate. It is distinguished by a citrus aroma and a pleasantly refreshing, slightly salty taste.
- Gavi del commune is a wine with a pronounced floral-honey aroma and fresh taste.
- Special attention deserves a limited series of sparkling wines Gavi Brut. They are produced strictly in limited quantities. Every year, 6 thousand bottles go on sale. An amazing drink that differs in the aroma of peach and apricots, acacia flowers. Honey notes are added to it.
This commune gives you a whole collection of impeccable wines . Lovers and connoisseurs all agree that these are excellent, seasoned drinks with an amazing taste. Each of them carries its own special note, which stands out from the rest.
La poggio
The farm is located in Rovereto. It opened one of the most recent, and pouring a drink into glass bottles here began only in the 80s. Several types of Gavi are produced, but Etichetta Oro is considered the best, which is aged in small oak barrels. This allows the drink to get a great finish. The wine has an aroma of dried fruits and dry leaves. Professionals compare it with the September garden, where ripe fruits grow. The wine is very fresh and at the same time bright, so it is difficult to remain indifferent.
Instead of a conclusion
In addition to these communes, there are several hundred farms that are engaged in growing grapes and making wine. The technology may differ slightly, but the most important rule remains unshakable: all drinks are made strictly from one grape variety. This gives Italian wines a special charm. They are very similar and so different at the same time. Usually, lovers choose one variety, and connoisseurs keep several treasured bottles in their possession, which can be opened in the mood. And of course, a pleasant company is a prerequisite.