Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Villa Sparina, Gavi 2023
Piedmont, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Made from 100% Cortese grapes, Villa Sparina is one of the benchmarks of the Gavi DOCG. Known for its amphora-shaped bottle and consistent quality, this estate showcases the elegance of Piedmont’s flagship white wine.

Gavi DOCG is the crown jewel of Cortese, recognized as one of Italy’s most important white appellations—celebrated for its mineral-driven freshness and ability to rival more famous whites from Burgundy or Loire.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh, crisp aromas of white peach, green apple, and citrus zest, with delicate hints of almond and wildflowers. On the palate, it’s lively and precise, offering citrus and orchard fruit layered with a touch of minerality and a subtle saline note.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with bright acidity and a clean, elegant finish. Refreshing, harmonious, and very approachable—everything you want in a classic Gavi.

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested Cortese, fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity. Minimal oak influence ensures the varietal character shines through.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled fish, seafood risotto, or a classic Caprese salad. Also a wonderful aperitif thanks to its crisp, mouthwatering finish.

Verdict
A benchmark Gavi—zesty, mineral, and impeccably balanced. Villa Sparina continues to set the standard for what Cortese can deliver: elegance and everyday drinkability with a touch of Italian charm. — 9 days ago

romo

9.1

Day-two magic. A fine white @Chris Buggy might enjoy. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Pale lemon color with aromas of fresh stone fruits, citrus and floral notes, aged in stainless with plenty of lees contact. On the palate flavors of pear, apple and lemon citrus with lively acidity and blossom notes. Medium finish ending with citrus and creamy mineral character. Drink now while it’s still fresh! — 4 months ago

Gene Buonviri

9.0

Pale gold. White Peach , Kiwi and a trace of mineral. Clear and crisp. Very tasty! — 14 days ago

with Justinian

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Saula Gavi White Label 2023
Gavi DOCG, Piedmont, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Crafted from 100% Cortese, this wine hails from the heart of the Gavi DOCG, produced at Tenuta La Marchesa—one of the largest and most historic estates in the region. It’s a crisp, refreshing expression of Piedmont’s beloved white grape.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh and lively with green apple, lemon zest, and wildflowers on the nose. The palate continues with citrus, grapefruit, and white peach, underpinned by a subtle almond finish and a touch of wet stone minerality.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied, clean, and dry, with bright acidity that keeps it vibrant and crisp. A wine that lingers just long enough to refresh without overwhelming.

Winemaking Notes
Produced in stainless steel to retain freshness, purity, and the varietal character of Cortese. Meant for early enjoyment rather than extended cellaring.

Food Pairing
Ideal with seafood, fresh salads, caprese, or as an aperitif. Its zippy acidity also makes it a great partner for fried dishes or lighter pastas.

Verdict
A classic Gavi—zesty, floral, and beautifully balanced. At this price point, it’s a must-have for casual sipping and everyday Italian charm. — 2 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

My first white bottle selection wasn’t available so I chose this instead. Not a bad consolation prize: apple, white peach, citrus nose, medium body, engaging acidity backed by minerality. Great accompaniment to the table’s seafood and chicken entrées. — 4 months ago

Riccardo L.

8.9

Yellow straw and acidity for days. Great wine. — 17 days ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.3

Wow, so good! Need more. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Pale lemon with aromas of fresh stone fruits, citrus and salty floral notes, made with the Cortese grape. On the palate flavors of pear, apple and lemon citrus with lively acidity and blossom notes. Medium savory finish ending with citrus and salty mineral character. — 2 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.0

light floral/citrus nose. Balanced acidity with melon tangerine & slight minerality. Very refreshing. — 4 months ago