While Piedmont is pretty much home to reds and the ubiquitous Asti, it does have a few whites. Standouts in this category are both Gavi and Arneis.
Arneis
Meaning “Rascal”, Arneis is a dry, lively, and moderate in its weight. Fresh flavors like pear and apricot drive this moderate bodied white.
Gavi
Made from the Cortese grape, which is native to Piedmont, Gavi is a beautiful bone dry white that carries crisp citrus and mineral notes. Depending on who you ask, some wine enthusiasts may tell you this is the best white wine in all of Italy. Surpassing even the well known Pinot Grigio of Friuli-Venezie Giulia.
Tenuta la Marchesa Gavi 2015
Gavi is a lot of fun, like Pinot Grigio from Friuli-Venezie Giulia. The pops of bright fruit and hints of minerality make for zingers that pair great with lighter fare. Can Tenuta la Marchesa Gavi deliver the lively nature that we look for?
Sight: A moderate gold hue.
Smell: Pops of citrus mix with notes of almonds and hit of wildflower. There’s a touch of melon behind the citrus.
Sip: The body is light and has a slightly fizzy character. The crisp nature lends itself well to the notes of orange and lemon. Minerality weaves its way through the citrus fruit highlighting touches of almond, melon, and flowers.
Savor: The finish is clean and crisp, with hints of herbs, flowers, and citrus.
Tenuta la Marchesa Gavi is crisp, light, and refreshing. Fans of Pinot Grigio and dry Rieslings are going to find a lot to like here in the crisp refreshing nature of this wine. The citrus is the primary backbone holding this wine together, while the notes of everything else around the edges helps to build the experience. The texture and finish are well balanced. There’s a lot to love here with Tenuta la Marchesa Gavi.
Verdict: Citrus, Nutty, Floral, Crisp
Rating: 88
Price: $10
Piedmont, Italy