Wines Gavi Fontanafredda - Del Comune di Gavi - 2024

Fontanafredda's Gavi, under the "Cuvée Del Comune di Gavi", is a classic Italian white from the renowned Piedmont region. Traditionally, Gavi is crafted from the Cortese grape, celebrated for producing fresh, elegant wines with lively acidity and a distinct mineral character. The 2024 vintage, given its recent bottling, will likely deliver a youthful vibrancy, with delicate aromas that might evoke citrus fruits, green apples, white flowers, and a subtle almond note on the finish. Winemaking in this region generally favours stainless steel fermentation to preserve the brisk freshness and fruit purity typical of Gavi, allowing the terroir to truly shine.

The Gavi appellation lies in the southern part of Piedmont, where the rolling hills and proximity to the Ligurian Sea impart a unique microclimate. This area enjoys a balance between warm summer days and cooling maritime breezes, which slows ripening and helps preserve the grapes' acidity and aromatic finesse. Soils here are predominantly limestone and clay, supporting vines that yield wines with marked minerality and an elegant, saline edge. Historically, the region has championed white wines in a land famed for reds, with Gavi carving out a reputation for finesse and age-worthiness.

Pairing a Gavi such as this calls for light, refined dishes. The wine's fresh profile and lively acidity make it an excellent companion to delicate seafood, such as grilled sea bream or prawn risotto. It also works beautifully with antipasti, light pasta dishes dressed with olive oil or herbs, and local specialities like vitello tonnato. Its subtle almond finish pairs pleasantly with simple salads or lightly aged cheeses.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Gavi well-chilled, ideally at 8-10°C. Its purity and freshness shine at this temperature, highlighting the vivid fruit and stony nuances typical of quality wines from the Gavi region. Enjoy it young to best appreciate its freshness and finesse.