2012 La Scolca, Gavi (Black Label), Piedmont

Imitation is the highest form of flattery. So you can imagine how flattering it is to have an entire wine region named after your wine.
    Located in the southern part of Piedmont, La Scolca's Gavi dei Gavi Black Label has gained so much fame and recognition for its quality that Italy named the wine region "Gavi" after the wine. Boasting Piedmont's oldest Cortese vines at 60+ years and decades of family winemaking, La Scolca produces spectacular, complex and concentrated age-worthy whites.
    The vineyards are planted on the hills surrounding the estate which have been hailed as the only "Grand Cru" terroir for Cortese. There, cool marine air combined with all-day sunlight is ideal for ripening. This micro-climate preserves the fruit, flinty acidity and structure.
    With the extreme heat this weekend and a desire for lighter fare such as seafood, we were looking to enjoy a white wine that was clean, crisp and refreshing but didn't sacrifice depth and quality. We didn't have to look very far.
    On the nose, the wine offers intense fruit and a floral fragrance. On the palate, the wine is strongly typical of Gavi: fruity and flinty with notes of almond, hazelnut and walnut that linger on the finish. Crisp and mouthwatering, the wine offers apple and grapefruit accents. Extremely refreshing, La Scolca Black Label ends with wonderful citrus peel flavors. Enjoy!