Standing out from the crowd – a really lovely wine and a real ‘aha’ moment!

2014 Gavi di Gavi “Montessora” La Giustiniana

Gavis tend too often to be rather dull –but not this one!  It stood out straight away in a flight – a really lovely wine!” Nick Adams MW

Gavi_di_Gavi_MontessoraThis wonderful winery is located in the territory of Rovereto di Gavi on the Piedmont foothills of the Apenninie and dates right back to 1250 and a farm belonging to the abbey of Rivalta Scrivia, which then produced wheat and wine.   In 1625 the property passed to the Giustiniani family and today only the watch and defense tower, chapel and several rooms with vaults still remain.
The Giustiniana estate has been transformed since 1998 under the auspices of consultant Donato Lanati – along with winemaker Matteo Zerbo – with much improved resource and focus in both vineyards and winery.  They own 40 hectares of vineyards in the commune Roverto in Gavi and make wines from two single vineyards. The Montessora vineyard is considered to be the superior with the local Cortese vines grown on iron rich (very red) soils which also contain some alluvial clay and gravel.
This wine has a richer, fuller style, with bright stone fruits, lifted minerality (almost flinty) and creamy texture and mouth feel, with fine underlying acidity.  It’s a good match with slightly fleshier fish like sea bream – even with a bold sauce or char-grilled.  It works nicely with pasta with fennel, dill or aubergine sauce or in a light béchamel sauce.
£22 per bottle