Laficaia Gavi di Gavi

Laficaia Gavi di Gavi is a dry, 100% Cortese white wine from Piedmont, Italy, bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from vineyards within the prized commune of Gavi — the only sub-zone permitted to carry the prestigious Gavi di Gavi designation — this expression from a young, family-driven estate delivers a focused snapshot of Cortese grown on clay and marl soils at elevation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Gavi, Piedmont, Italy  |  Varietal: 100% Cortese  |  Producer: Laficaia Winery

Production & Heritage

Laficaia was established in 2013 by Enrico Piantato, with vineyards situated at 250–300 meters above sea level on predominantly south and south-west facing slopes in the municipality of Gavi. The clay and marl soil composition contributes mineral depth and structure to the Cortese grapes. After a soft crushing, the juice undergoes a controlled three-week fermentation at 18°C in stainless steel tanks — a technique designed to preserve the grape's naturally delicate aromatics and bright acidity without any oak influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The bouquet opens with fresh white flowers and citrus blossom, followed by subtle notes of green apple and pear. A light mineral undertone reinforces the wine's Piedmontese origin.

Taste: The entry is crisp and clean, with lemon zest and white stone fruit arriving on the mid-palate. The wine is dry and light-bodied, with a harmonious balance between bright acidity and gentle fruit sweetness. There is no residual heaviness — just a lean, refreshing structure.

Finish: The finish is moderately long for a wine of this weight, trailing off with a pleasant minerality and a faint bitter-almond note characteristic of quality Cortese. It leaves a clean, refreshing impression that invites another sip.

How to Drink Laficaia Gavi

This wine is best served chilled between 8–10°C, and drinks beautifully on its own as an aperitivo or alongside a meal. Its bright acidity and dry profile also make it a versatile ingredient in wine-forward drinks. A classic Spritz Bianco works well here, substituting Gavi for the typical Prosecco for added complexity. It also shines in a Hugo Cocktail, where its floral notes complement elderflower liqueur and fresh mint. For a minimalist approach, try it in a White Wine Sangria with sliced peaches and citrus, where its clean fruit character serves as an ideal base.

Best For

• Weeknight Italian dinners centered on seafood or light pasta
• Introducing someone to high-quality Piedmontese white wine
• Summer aperitivo gatherings on a warm evening
• Gifting to a wine enthusiast exploring lesser-known Italian varietals

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Laficaia Gavi taste like? Laficaia Gavi di Gavi is a dry, light-bodied white wine with fresh citrus and green apple flavors, balanced by crisp acidity and a subtle mineral finish characteristic of the Cortese grape.

How does Laficaia Gavi compare to La Scolca Gavi di Gavi? La Scolca is widely regarded as the benchmark Gavi producer with decades of critical recognition and a broader range of aged expressions. Laficaia, established in 2013, represents a younger estate offering a fresh, straightforward interpretation of Cortese at a more accessible positioning in the category.

Is Laficaia Gavi good for sipping on its own? Yes — its clean acidity, dry profile, and aromatic freshness make it a natural choice for sipping chilled as an aperitivo or alongside light appetizers.

Where is Laficaia Gavi made? Laficaia Gavi di Gavi is produced by Laficaia Winery, founded by Enrico Piantato in 2013, with vineyards located in the commune of Gavi in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy.

What foods pair well with Laficaia Gavi? Grilled branzino or sea bass, where the wine's acidity cuts through the fish's richness. Fresh pesto pasta, which mirrors the wine's herbal and citrus qualities. Burrata with ripe tomatoes, as the creamy cheese contrasts the wine's crisp structure. Fried calamari, where the wine acts as a palate cleanser. Risotto with lemon and asparagus, complementing the wine's green apple and mineral notes.

What sizes does Laficaia Gavi come in? Laficaia Gavi di Gavi is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Laficaia Gavi worth the price? Laficaia Gavi di Gavi positions as an accessible, entry-to-mid-level expression within the Gavi di Gavi category, offering genuine commune-level terroir character from a focused, small-production estate without the premium attached to longer-established names.

Why Laficaia Gavi?

What distinguishes this wine is the specificity of its terroir — south-facing vineyards planted at 250–300 meters on clay and marl soils in the heart of Gavi's commune, the only zone that earns the double "Gavi di Gavi" designation. The stainless steel fermentation at a carefully controlled 18°C preserves Cortese's naturally bright, floral character without masking it behind oak or malolactic softness. For drinkers seeking an honest, food-friendly Italian white that reflects its origin rather than its winemaking, Laficaia delivers a pure expression of one of Piedmont's most underappreciated grapes. It represents the kind of small-estate winemaking that rewards curiosity.