2018 Castellari Bergaglio Gavi di Tassarolo DOCG Fornaci Magnum 1.5L, Piedmont

From the limestone and clay hills of Tassarolo, this single site Gavi captures the finesse and quiet power that make Cortese so compelling when grown in the right place. Castellari Bergaglio is a benchmark producer in the Gavi DOCG, farming hillside vineyards that deliver natural freshness, mineral tension and layered texture. The Fornaci vineyard sits in a prized pocket of the appellation, where cooling breezes and well drained soils help preserve aromatics and build structure, giving a more serious, age worthy expression of Gavi.

Pale straw in colour with green reflections, the aromas are precise and lifted, showing lemon zest, green apple and pear, layered with white flowers, almond skin and a subtle wet stone note. The palate is dry, focused and finely textured, with bright citrus and orchard fruit balanced by lively acidity and a gently savoury finish. There is a chalky mineral edge that adds length and elegance, making this a standout example of terroir driven Gavi. Superb with shellfish, grilled fish, veal, light pasta dishes and fresh cheeses. Drinking beautifully now for its purity and energy, it will also reward short to medium term cellaring over five to eight years, gaining extra nutty and savoury complexity.