Gavi di Gavi (2021)

About this wine

This 2021 Gavi di Gavi from Fontanafredda is made from 100% Cortese, the classic grape of Gavi, and it shows exactly why this corner of Piedmont has such a loyal following. The wine opens with fresh white flowers, lemon, and crisp green apple, then moves into pear and a gentle almond note that gives the finish a distinctive regional signature. It feels lively and polished, with that dry, mouthwatering snap that makes Gavi so easy to love. The hills around Gavi sit close enough to feel the pull of maritime breezes, which helps keep the fruit bright and fragrant even in warm seasons. There is an old local story that links the name Gavi to Princess Gavia, and whether legend or not, it suits a wine that has long carried an unusually graceful reputation for an Italian white. What makes this bottle especially appealing is how it balances freshness, softness, and that faint bitter almond edge without ever feeling sharp or heavy.

About the grape

Cortese is an old Piedmontese white grape first documented in the 17th century, and it is the sole variety used in Fontanafredda Gavi di Gavi, where the estate emphasizes 100 percent Cortese fruit from the village of Gavi. In this bottling Fontanafredda farms vineyards at about 200 to 300 meters above sea level on sandy soils rich in arenaceous marl, and the vines are trained mostly Guyot at densities of around 4,000 to 5,000 plants per hectare. The grapes are hand harvested and gently pressed, with the winery choosing low temperature fermentation in stainless steel and a short rest on fine lees to preserve the variety s natural freshness and floral drive. Because Cortese adapts to the local microclimate, Fontanafredda uses site selection and careful canopy management to favor balanced ripeness and the classic saline minerality linked to Gavi soils.

Quick facts

• 🏛️ The label 'Gavi di Gavi' specifically means the grapes come from the comune of Gavi, a small zone within the DOCG considered the most prestigious for Cortese-based Gavi wines.
• 👑 Fontanafredda’s estate traces back to 1858 and was established under the patronage of the first King of Italy, giving this Gavi a direct link to Piedmont royal winery history.
• 🍇 This bottling is 100% Cortese, from the Cortese di Gavi DOCG appellation which was elevated to DOCG status in 1998, highlighting its official 'noble white' recognition.
• ⏳ Fontanafredda typically keeps the Gavi on its fine lees through to the new year before bottling, which helps preserve bright texture and aromatic lift in the 2021 release.
• 🏰 Although Fontanafredda is best known for historic Barolo holdings, their Gavi di Gavi is a signature white from the same celebrated Piedmont estate, showcasing their multi-century winemaking tradition.

Palate profile

Producer

Fontanafredda, established in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II of Italy, began as a gift to his beloved Rosa Vercellana, known as "La Bela Rusin." Located in Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, the estate spans approximately 120 hectares and is renowned for its Barolo wines. In 1964, Fontanafredda produced the first single-vineyard Barolo, Vigna La Rosa, marking a significant milestone in winemaking. Embracing sustainability, the winery transitioned to organic farming, becoming the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont by 2018. In 2017, Wine Enthusiast honored Fontanafredda as "European Winery of the Year," recognizing its commitment to quality and innovation.