Delicate nose of melon, peach and pineapple mixed together; accompanied by light herbal aromas. In the mouth fruity and refreshing, but not overly so. The aftertaste last for a fairly long time and recalls the melon first perceived on the nose.
Villa Sparina is probably the most widely known wine produced under the (Cortese di) Gavi DOCG denomination of Piedmont. The town of Gavi, located in the southern part of Piedmont not far from Liguria, is at the center of the production zone, while Cortese is the indigenous white grape variety from which the wine is made.
To state on their label “Gavi di Gavi”, wines like Villa Sparina need to be made with grapes that comes from vineyards in the township of Gavi.
Although nowadays it faces a strong competition from Arneis, Cortese has long been considered Piedmont’s finest white variety and is often credited as introducing the world to Italian white wine. To me it has a special meaning because its name is only one vowel away from my family name.
I find this light and fruity wine that sells for 11 EUR a very pleasant white wine for aperitif. Better if not served too cold.
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Grapes: Cortese
Type: White
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Villa Sparina
Price range: Economic (<15 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5