Alasia Gavi 2024

Gavi is Piedmont's most famous white, made from Cortese grapes grown on limestone soils around the town itself. Some have called it Italy's answer to Chablis - we wouldn't go that far, but you get the idea. Fresh and elegant, with citrus and white flower aromas, a hint of white spice, and a lightly nutty, rounded texture. There's plenty of orchard and stone fruit, all balanced by refreshing acidity and a subtle streak of minerality. Crisp, refined, and very drinkable.

Glorious glugging on its own, but spot-on with lemony seafood - grilled prawns, fritto misto - or something simple like roast chicken or pork loin, where its freshness and nutty texture work a treat.

Alasia, is part of one of Piedmont's largest and most forward-thinking co-operatives and situated in the Monferrato hills in the heart of Barbera d'Asti territory. Here they work with 230 grower members to source quality grapes from around 690ha of vineyards. Despite their size they have a real family run feel about them thanks largely to the husband and wife management/winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese. Founded in 1954 by Livio Manera, father of the current director and winemaker Claudio, over the past 60 years they've become a major winemaking force in Piedmont.