La Giustiniana 'Montessora' Gavi di Gavi 2021, Piedmont, Italy- 1.5l

Gavi went through a rough patch in the 1980s and early 1990s – but who didn’t? Most of us wouldn’t want to be judged on how we carried on or dressed in the bad old days. Today, Gavi is one of the hottest white wines on the planet, with quality having shot way up in recent years. “La Giustiana” from Montessorais a quality drop, no doubt about it. Pale straw in colour, it’s a lot more aromatic than many would expect from a Gavi, showing pretty floral notes along with some flinty minerality. On the palate, it’s crisp with a great purity of fruit, showing peach and lime with a hint of that almond character so typical of Gavi.

GRAPE

• 100% Cortese

WHAT IT GOES WITH

The vineyard isn’t far from the Ligurian sea, and this one is made for fresh seafood. Lightly seared tuna steak or homemade fishcakes will hit the spot every time.

VINEYARD

Piemonte is home to Italy’s greatest red wines, particularly those of Barolo and Barbaresco in the Alba hills. A little to the east lies the Gavi DOCG, a stunningly picturesque hillside region making world-class dry white wines from the Cortese grape. “La Giustiana” is a single vineyard Gavi de Gavi (meaning it originates from the commune of Gavi within the Gavi region, in case you were wondering!) from low-yielding old vines. Winemaker Cristian Pomo works with esteemed Italian consultant Donato Lanatito craft a wine with a real sense of place.

FARMING

Sustainable. Vegan.