2021 Michele Chiarlo Gavi Le Marne DOCG, Piedmont

Michele Chiarlo was one of the visionaries who helped bring Piedmont's wines to an international audience, championing vineyard expression and meticulous winemaking long before it became fashionable. Today, the family estate is led by Stefano Chiarlo, continuing a legacy built on quality and authenticity. While best known for Barolo and Barbaresco, the winery has also established itself as one of the leading producers of Gavi, crafting Cortese wines that combine freshness, elegance and remarkable ageing potential.

Le Marne takes its name from the distinctive marl soils that define many of the best vineyard sites in the Gavi appellation. Located in the rolling hills of southeastern Piedmont, these vineyards benefit from cooling influences flowing inland from the Ligurian coast, helping to preserve freshness and aromatic detail. The 2021 vintage delivered excellent balance and concentration, producing a Gavi with both immediate appeal and the structure to evolve beautifully in bottle.

Pale straw gold in colour with bright green reflections, the bouquet reveals aromas of lemon blossom, white peach and green pear layered with notes of citrus zest, chamomile and crushed stone. Time in bottle has begun to add subtle complexity, with hints of honey, almond and dried flowers emerging alongside the vibrant fruit. The palate is fresh yet beautifully textured, delivering flavours of grapefruit, ripe apple and nectarine wrapped around a fine mineral backbone. Crisp acidity provides energy and precision, while the finish lingers with notes of citrus, almond and saline minerality.

An ideal companion for oysters, grilled calamari, seafood risotto, baked snapper with herbs or a zucchini and ricotta tart. It also pairs wonderfully with pesto pasta, a classic match from nearby Liguria. Drinking beautifully now, it will continue to gain complexity over the next four to six years, rewarding those who appreciate the understated elegance of great Gavi.