Lovatelli Gavi DOCG 2024: Is This $20 Italian White Wine Worth It?

^{This post has been sponsored by Royal Wine Corp. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+.}

The Cortese grape is a hallmark of Italy's Piedmont region, particularly of the Gavi DOCG, which is famed for its dry white wines. Located along the rolling hills of the Alessandra province, along the Ligurian Sea, the Gavi DOCG is one worth exploring for its selection of high-quality, yet affordable, white wines.

Today, we're taking a look at Lovatelli's Gavi 2024, courtesy of the Royal Wine Corp. Now, without further introduction, let's get tasting.

Wine Overview

Quick Facts

Winery: Founded in 2023, under the umbrella of the Royal Wine Corp, Lovatelli aims to produce a range of affordable, high-quality wines from a selection of celebrated Italian wine regions. Lovatelli sources grapes to produce red and white wines, as well as vermouth. Lovatelli's initial 2023 release included a Barbera d'Asti, a Salentino Primitivo, and a Toscana IGT blend, alongside two vermouths.

Grape Varietals: This wine is produced from 100% Cortese grapes. This is a high-acid white Italian wine grape, beloved for producing the crisp, dry white wines of the Gavi DOCG in Piedmont. These grapes, though produced in other parts of Italy and in some other countries, are largely a fixture of Piedmont winemaking.

ABV: 12% alcohol by volume.

Price: This bottle retails for around $20USD (prices can and do vary by outlet, region, and availability).

Region - Gavi, Piedmont

Today's wine hails from the Gavi DOCG, located in the hills of the Alessandria province, covering roughly the southeastern quadrant of Piedmont, near the Ligurian border, close to the port city of Genoa. This area benefits from a combination of continental and Mediterranean climate influences. The area experiences cold winters and warm summers, with temperatures moderated by Ligurian Sea breezes and the cooling influences of the Alps.

Gavi features significant diurnal temperature variations (differences between day and night temperatures), which helps the region's Cortese grapes maintain their acidity through ripening, while also helping to boost their aromatics.

The Gavi DOCG is a prestigious Italian wine appellation, specializing in dry white wines made exclusively from the area's signature Cortese grape. The "Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin" (DOCG) is Italy's highest quality classification for wines, with Gavi receiving its DOCG status in 1998.

Aromatic and Tasting Notes

On the Nose

The wine introduces itself with bright citrus notes off the top of the glass. Fresh lemon and lime zest, with hints of green apple. A whiff of pear matures through the citrus, framed in delicate white flowers. Towards the bottom of the glass, there is a subtle, but pleasant, minerality that I'll describe as wet gravel or slate.

On the Palate

Clean and dry are the two words that come to mind. The first thing you'll notice is that the wine is bone dry with a vibrant acidity, which delivers a very refreshing and cleansing quality to the palate. This gives way to the citrus and green fruit from the bouquet, alongside fruit notes, especially peach and apricot. The finish is mineral, with just a hint of almond - but that may be me lingering a bit too long.

Finish

Very pleasant, with lingering fruit notes and a hint of almond. Very mineral in nature.

Food Pairings

Seafood is the way to go with this wine. Think coastal Italian favorites. The crisp acidity, along with the bright citrus and green apple notes, make it particularly delicious alongside the following:

Shellfish: Oysters, clams, scallops, and shrimp are all a perfect match for this wine's refreshing acidity.
Crudo: Raw preparations like sushi or tuna tartare will be thoroughly complemented by the Gavi's clean, refreshing profile. Probably my go-to pairing.
Pasta with seafood: Linguine with clams or spaghetti with shrimp and garlic. These would be delicious.
Fish: Baked or grilled white fish, such as branzino, cod, or sole, with lemon and herbs. Add a butter and herb sauce for extra points. A butter, herb, and white wine sauce if you're feeling particularly fancy.

Wine Score and Verdict

The Score

I'll give this wine a solid 90, as it is a good representation of the Cortese varietal, exhibiting classic Gavi characteristics. It also offers absolutely excellent quality for its price point.

Who is this wine for?

This wine is intended for broad appeal, and I would say it succeeds in that regard. If you're a fan of crisp, dry white wines with zesty citrus notes - at an affordable price - this wine is an excellent match. As a kosher wine, it's also ideal for those who observe Jewish dietary laws, especially during Passover, as confirmed by its Orthodox Union kosher supervision.

Where to Buy

As of this review, the Lovatelli Gavi 2024 is available via KosherWine.com and skyviewwine.com.

And that's our review of the Lovatelli Gavi 2024. If you enjoyed this review, or sampled the wine or any of its pairings, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you!

Cheers!