2023 Michele Chiarlo Rovereto, Gavi del Comune di Gavi DOCG, Piedmont

Delicate perfumes of jasmine and honeysuckle mingling with the zesty scent of fresh citrus on the nose. The palate is just as enticing, with a vibrancy that exhilarates as notes of lemon oil and zest bright then palate as a tasty touch of green almond adds depth. And just when you think it can't get any better, a tart mineral finish swoops in like a cool breeze on a hot day, leaving you refreshed and ready for more.

90 points Jeff Porter Wine Enthusiast

Michele Chiarlo was one of the pioneers who helped elevate Piedmont's reputation on the world stage, building a winery founded on the belief that great wines begin in exceptional vineyards. Today, the family continues that vision under the leadership of Stefano Chiarlo, crafting wines that capture the unique character of Piedmont's most prized appellations. While the estate is renowned for Barolo and Barbaresco, its white wines have become benchmarks in their own right, particularly those from the historic Gavi region.

Rovereto is widely regarded as one of the finest crus in the Gavi appellation. Located within the commune of Gavi itself, this prized vineyard sits on limestone rich soils that provide ideal conditions for Cortese, the noble grape behind Gavi DOCG. The combination of elevated sites, cooling breezes from the Ligurian coast and careful vineyard management produces wines of remarkable freshness, aromatic purity and longevity.

Pale straw with shimmering green highlights, the wine opens with aromas of lemon blossom, white peach and green pear, layered with notes of citrus zest, white flowers and crushed stone. The palate is beautifully refined and energetic, revealing flavours of grapefruit, ripe apple and nectarine supported by a vibrant mineral backbone. A subtle almond note, a hallmark of great Gavi, emerges through the finish, adding complexity and charm. Crisp acidity and a silky texture create a wine that is both refreshing and sophisticated.

An outstanding match for oysters, grilled calamari, kingfish sashimi, linguine with clams or a zucchini and ricotta tart. Its freshness also makes it a superb aperitif on a warm afternoon. While delightful in its youth, Rovereto has the structure to develop additional complexity over the next five to eight years, revealing greater depth and nuance with time.