Gavi / Cortese di Gavi DOCG

Wine production in the comune of Gavi has roots stretching back to the medieval period, and the Cortese grape was first documented in writing in 1614 at the castle of Casale Monferrato. In the 17th century, Genoese noble families built grand summer residences on these hills and spread the cultivation of Cortese as an aristocratic grape. First specialized Cortese plantings took place from 1856 onward on estates in Gavi. The current modern production style dates to 1876. Post-World War II improvements in viticulture and winemaking allowed Gavi to gain DOC status in 1974, followed by elevation to DOCG in 1998, Italy's highest classification tier.

• Cortese first documented in writing in 1614; oldest recorded mentions of its cultivation in Gavi date to 1659
• Genoese nobility drove Cortese's spread across the communes in the 17th century; first specialized plantings from 1856 on the Gavi estates of Marquis Cambiaso, La Centuriona, and La Toledana
• DOC status in 1974 and DOCG elevation in 1998 formalized strict geographic boundaries, yield limits, and production protocols that established Gavi as Italy's premier white wine appellation

Gavi sits in the extreme southeastern corner of Piedmont's Alessandria province, at the meeting point of the Po Valley plain, the Apennine foothills, and the Ligurian border. Vineyard altitudes range from about 150 meters to over 450 meters. The climate is continental with cold winters and warm, breezy summers, significantly moderated by sea winds blowing in from the Ligurian coast. The Consorzio identifies three distinct soil bands within the DOCG: red clay-alluvial deposits in the northern sector near Tassarolo and Novi Ligure; alternating marls and sandstones in the central belt from Serravalle Scrivia to Gavi and San Cristoforo; and white clay-marls in the southern zones. This diversity of ancient marine sedimentary soils, formed during the Miocene epoch, contributes directly to Gavi's characteristic mineral freshness.

• Continental climate moderated by Ligurian sea breezes; high diurnal temperature variation during ripening concentrates aromatics while preserving natural acidity
• Three soil bands: red clay-alluvial (north), alternating marls and sandstones (central belt), and white clay-marls (south); all derived from ancient Miocene marine sediments
• Vineyards positioned on slopes from 150 to 450 meters elevation; Guyot training system standard, with row spacing averaging 2.40 to 2.60 meters and 3,300 to 5,000 vines per hectare

Cortese is the sole permitted grape for Gavi DOCG, an indigenous Piedmontese white variety with a documented history in the region dating to the early 17th century. The grape naturally produces wines of vibrant acidity, light to medium body, and delicate aromatics of citrus, green apple, pear, white flowers, and subtle almond. Most Gavi is vinified in stainless steel to preserve freshness; a smaller proportion undergoes barrel maturation or extended lees aging for additional texture and complexity. The DOCG authorizes four wine styles: still (Tranquillo), slightly sparkling (Frizzante), fully sparkling (Spumante, both Charmat and metodo classico), and Riserva. Gavi di Gavi and Gavi del Comune di Gavi designate wines sourced exclusively from vineyards within the single comune of Gavi.

• Cortese is naturally high-acid and moderately vigorous; careful yield management is essential, with the DOCG capping production at 66.50 hl/ha for standard wines and 45.50 hl/ha for Riserva
• Most Gavi is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel, though some producers use barrel aging or extended lees contact for a richer, more structured style
• Gavi di Gavi and Gavi del Comune di Gavi are reserved exclusively for wines made from grapes grown within the municipality of Gavi; all other communes may label wines simply as Gavi

Gavi's producer landscape ranges from historic family estates to modern boutique wineries. La Scolca, whose estate passed to the Soldati family between 1917 and 1919, is the oldest winery in the region and pioneered the modern, quality-focused style of Gavi. Their Gavi dei Gavi trademark, registered in 1969, predates the DOC itself by five years; the Black Label bottling is produced from vines averaging 60 years of age. Villa Sparina, established by the Moccagatta family in the 1970s across 100 hectares in Monterotondo, is among the appellation's most widely distributed producers. Broglia is well regarded for mineral-driven, precise expressions of Cortese. Pio Cesare, a historic Piedmontese house, also produces a reliable and well-distributed Gavi. The Consorzio Tutela del Gavi, established in 1993, coordinates promotion and protection of the appellation.

• La Scolca (estate acquired 1917-1919 by Soldati family): oldest winery in the region; Gavi dei Gavi trademark registered 1969; Black Label produced from 60-year-old vines with lees aging for added richness
• Villa Sparina (founded 1970s by Moccagatta family): 100 hectares in Monterotondo; produces one of the appellation's most widely recognized and distributed Gavi del Comune di Gavi bottlings
• Broglia: known for mineral intensity and citrus-driven precision; Bruno Broglia single-vineyard bottling is a benchmark for terroir expression in the central marls-and-sandstone belt

Gavi DOCG, established in 1998 on the foundation of the 1974 DOC, is Italy's highest classification tier for this zone and mandates 100% Cortese from grapes grown and vinified within the 11 designated communes of Alessandria province: Bosio, Capriata d'Orba, Carrosio, Francavilla Bisio, Gavi, Novi Ligure, Parodi Ligure, Pasturana, San Cristoforo, Serravalle Scrivia, and Tassarolo. Maximum yields are 66.50 hl/ha for the basic Tranquillo style and 45.50 hl/ha for Riserva types. Minimum ABV is 10.5% for still and Frizzante wines. Riserva requires a minimum of 12 months total aging with at least 6 months in bottle. Riserva Spumante metodo classico requires a minimum of 24 months aging with at least 18 months on the lees. Spumante may also be produced by the Charmat method with at least 6 months on the lees.

• Gavi di Gavi / Gavi del Comune di Gavi = grapes sourced exclusively from the municipality of Gavi; standard Gavi may come from any of the 11 authorized communes
• Riserva = minimum 12 months aging, with at least 6 months in bottle; Riserva Spumante metodo classico = minimum 24 months, with at least 18 months on the lees
• Four authorized wine styles: still (Tranquillo), slightly sparkling (Frizzante), fully sparkling (Spumante, Charmat or metodo classico), and aged Riserva
• The DOCG covers approximately 1,600 hectares; about 85% of total production is exported, making international markets the primary commercial focus for the appellation

Gavi is accessible from Genoa (approximately 50 km to the south) and Turin (approximately 100 km to the northwest), making it a natural stop on the Piedmont-Liguria wine route. The medieval town of Gavi is dominated by the Forte di Gavi, a strategic fortress that served as a key outpost between the Genoese plain and the Po Valley. Several historic estates that once served as Genoese noble summer residences now function as wineries. La Scolca and Villa Sparina welcome visitors for structured tastings and vineyard tours by appointment. The annual Di Gavi in Gavi Festival, held in summer, brings together producers for tastings, food events, and cultural activities across the appellation. The region's proximity to the Ligurian coast creates natural connections between Gavi's crisp whites and the seafood-forward cuisine of Liguria.

• La Scolca (Rovereto di Gavi) and Villa Sparina (Monterotondo) offer vineyard and cellar visits by appointment; the Consorzio Tutela del Gavi can assist with producer introductions
• Di Gavi in Gavi Festival (summer, held annually) features open-winery tastings, food pairings, and cultural events across producer estates throughout the appellation
• Proximity to Liguria (Genoa approximately 50 km south) links Gavi naturally with Ligurian cuisine: fresh seafood, pesto Genovese, focaccia, and herb-driven pasta dishes
• The Forte di Gavi, an imposing hilltop fortress with origins in the Genoese era, anchors the historic town center and is a key point of interest for visitors