Gavi DOCG
Permitted Varieties
Gavi DOCG (Cortese di Gavi)
Overview
Gavi is Piedmont’s premier white wine, producing elegant, mineral-driven wines from the Cortese grape in the hills around the historic town of Gavi in southeastern Piedmont. Elevated to DOCG status in 1998, Gavi offers a refreshing counterpoint to the region’s powerful reds, with wines characterized by citrus, white flowers, and a distinctive mineral finish. While sometimes dismissed as simple, the best Gavi demonstrates remarkable complexity and aging potential, particularly from the historic “Gavi di Gavi” commune.
Geography & Climate
Location: Southeastern Piedmont; Alessandria province; borders Liguria
Size: ~1,500 ha
Elevation: 250-450m (820-1,475 ft)
Climate: Continental with Ligurian influence
- Growing Degree Days: 1,600-1,900 GDD
- Rainfall: 700-900mm
- Maritime influence: Sea air from Liguria
The Ligurian Connection:
- Close to Mediterranean
- Moderating maritime winds
- Different from inland Piedmont
- Freshness in wines
Soil Types:
- Clay-limestone (most prestigious)
- Marl
- Red soils
- Varied by zone
Key Characteristic: Maritime influence + limestone = fresh, mineral Cortese.
Wine Styles
Gavi DOCG
Character: Fresh, mineral, citrus
- Lemon, lime, green apple
- White flowers
- Mineral, saline finish (signature)
- Medium body
- Fresh acidity
Gavi del Comune di Gavi (Gavi di Gavi)
Status: From Gavi commune itself
- Higher quality designation
- Best terroirs
- More complex
Gavi Riserva
Requirements: 12 months aging minimum Character: More complex; fuller; age-worthy
Gavi Spumante
Character: Traditional method sparkling
- Dry, fresh
- Minor production
Classification & Regulations
DOCG Requirements:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Gavi | 100% Cortese |
| Gavi del Comune di Gavi | From Gavi commune |
| Riserva | 12 months aging |
| Yields | Max 65 hl/ha |
History
Timeline:
- Medieval: Cortese established
- 1876: First “Gavi” documentation
- 1974: DOC established
- 1998: DOCG elevation
- Today: Premier Piedmont white
Historical Reputation: Long favored in Genoa (nearby coast) as seafood wine.
Key Constraints & Production Notes
Cortese Grape:
- Indigenous to Piedmont
- Neutral but terroir-expressive
- Maintains acidity well
- Late ripening
Winemaking:
| Approach | Character |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Fresh, citrus (most common) |
| Extended lees | Texture, complexity |
| Oak | Rare; fuller |
Aging Potential:
- Standard: 2-4 years
- Riserva/Gavi di Gavi: 5-10 years
Notable Producers
Quality Benchmarks:
- La Scolca (pioneer; benchmark)
- Villa Sparina
- La Mesma
- Broglia
- La Giustiniana
- Castellari Bergaglio
- Morgassi Superiore
- Nicola Bergaglio
La Scolca: Pioneered quality Gavi; “Black Label” defined category.
Gavi di Gavi
The Premier Designation
What It Means:
- Grapes from Gavi commune only
- Historic center of production
- Generally higher quality
- Worth seeking out
Common Challenges
Perception Gap
- Cause: Simple versions dominate market.
- Risk: Undervaluation.
- Response: Quality focus; Gavi di Gavi; Riserva.
Neutrality
- Cause: Cortese not aromatic.
- Risk: Less exciting than aromatic whites.
- Response: Terroir expression; winemaking quality.
Food Pairing
Classic Matches:
- Ligurian seafood
- Focaccia di Recco
- Pesto
- Shellfish
- Light fish dishes
The Genoa Connection: Historic wine-food pairing with Ligurian cuisine.
References
-
Consorzio Tutela del Gavi (2025). “Disciplinare.” Link
-
Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Publisher Link
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: Consorzio Gavi, MIPAAF
Research Grade: Technical reference