Gavi 'La Fornace', Cinzia Bergaglio 2024

Gavi is a true Italian classic, starring on the winelists of many fish restaurants on the Ligurian coast near to where it's made. This fresh and floral white is made from Cortese di Gavi grape, as the grape is known in the area, taking its name from the region's main white wine producing town of Gavi. This particular example hails from the hilly slopes of Tassarolo to the north of the region, where Cortese really thrives. It has a wonderfully complex nose and palate of toasted almonds with hints of apple and sage. While remaining refreshingly light there's just a hint of creaminess in there that gives it a lovely feel on the tongue.

As well as being a natural seafood partner it also works well crumbly cheeses and the extra touch of weight makes it great to drink by itself.

Azienda Agricola Cinzia Bergaglio is a small family operation based in the commune of Tassarolo in the Piedmontese hills south of Tortona not far from the Ligurian border. They only have a few hectares of vines and the focus of their efforts is getting the best out of the area's native white grape, Cortese, from which they make their delicious examples of Gavi.