2022 Enrico Serafino Gavi 'Grifo Del Quartaro' Piedmont

Winemaker Notes: Enrico Serafino "Grifo del Quartaro" Gavi di Gavi is a classic example of Piedmont's noble white wine made from the native Cortese grape. Gavi DOCG is the most esteemed source of Cortese wines and the town of Gavi, at its heart, is recognized to produce the finest expressions of the denomination. Thanks to the sloping hills and exposure, as well as marly, white chalky and clay-rich earth, the area creates wines with clear-cut character, freshness, and minerality, as well as complex structure. The name Grifo del Quartaro refers to an antique coin used by Genovese Lords (from the city of Genoa that is not far from the village of Gavi), who were the vineyard land-owners of the Gavi area.

The 2022 vintage is one of the hottest and driest ever: During the winter there was an extraordinary shortage of rainfall, and the climate was mild followed by a period marked by good weather, with no significant rain for over 180 days. In July the vines adjusted on their own to the low availability of water, showing smaller clusters. Picking began as early as the end of August with the grapes used for making sparkling wines, and continued immediately afterwards with the white wine varieties. The harvest of Nebbiolo grapes began around mid-September. The quality was noticeably excellent with heathy grapes although a lower yield-per-hectare.