Cortese

Gavi di Gavi, so nice you say it twice. I see your blank look, I know, the grape is called Cortese but the wine it is famous for making is Gavi. I didn’t write the rules, I just play the game, so I’ll be shouldering no blame here. Cortese hails from Piedmonte, Northern Italy and, here’s where the name comes in, the town Gavi is at the heart of the Cortese vineyards. Originally this wine was just a local specialty, but in the 1960s the secret got out and its popularity has been growing ever since. 

What am I getting?
Crisp and lime-y. Cortese is renowned for high acidity levels so it’s a very fresh wine, perfect for the Summer months. This freshness is often well complemented by apple, peach and honey flavours. Some Gavi wines are also described as herbal and grassy – I wouldn’t recommend munching on your lawn clippings anytime soon, but in this context it works, I promise!

What can I drink it with?
Thanks to the high acidity in this grape it works well with equally acidic foods. Shellfish and seafood with citric sauces, for example, would be an ideal match.
 
I want it!
Something to tickle your taste buds…
Let's not go crazy...
Gavi 2016 Araldica (dry, Italy) £8.99 per bottle
All out...
Gavi di Gavi DOCG 2017, Deltetto (dry, Italy) £14.95 per bottle