The 2016 Massone Gavi “Vigneto Masera” is the quintessential summer white wine and one of my new favorites. Whether you are a fan of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay, you have to try this wine.
From the southern part of Italy’s Piemonte region, Gavi is one of the most beloved whites of the region. Composed entirely of the native Cortese grape, this is one of the prettiest and purest whites I’ve tasted in a long time. Flowing with lovely notes of Asian pear, pineapple, green fig, white flowers, and spicy mineral, this crisp and clean white wine is the perfect beach companion.
2016 Massone Gavi Vigneto Masera
Perfect Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Un-Oaked Chardonnay Alternative!
This vintage is sold out. Click here to check out the current release in our online store.
Gavi often gets a bad rap and deservedly so. Why? Because the majority of the Gavi that makes it to the US is washed out and flavorless. The Cortese grape is known for producing high yields so careful vineyard management is required to produce flavorful wines.
Stefano Massone, who grew up in the region and followed in his father’s footsteps, is a master with the varietal. He only makes Gavi, and he is highly skilled in the vineyard and in the cellar. The Masera vineyard is a single plot of Cortese that was planted back in 1978. Today, these old vines produce low yields and low yields result in intensely flavored grapes.
Fermented in stainless steel and aged on its lies for 3 months, this one explodes out of the glass with beautiful aromas of exotic fruits, spring flowers, and mellow minerality. On the palate, it is crisp, but not too acidic, with flavors that mimic the nose.
For years, this has been one of the most popular white wines at restaurants in Genoa to serve with fresh seafood caught off the Ligurian coast. I can see why! The wine’s natural acidity and freshness make it a natural partner for all sorts of fish and seafood, but I also love it with summer vegetables and salads. I also find it to be quite pleasing as an aperitif.
This vintage is sold out. Click here to check out the current release in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville