UK’s only on-trade wine competition – the Sommelier Wine Awards

Home Winners > Winners 2015 > ITALY: North-West Whites, including Gavi

Winner Details

Italy: North-West whites, including Gavi

2015: Gold 3 Silver 1 Bronze 2 Commended 5
2014: Gold 2 Silver 2 Bronze 3 Commended 4

In terms of numbers and ‘must-listability’, this section is mostly about Gavi. Price has been a problem here in the past, but this year our tasters found some good examples at the more commercial level, which is heartening. And two non-Gavi Golds suggests further untapped potential from Italy’s north-west in this competition.

Star Performer

Well done to Ottella, which picked up a second consecutive Gold for its excellent Le Creete, following on from the success of the 2013 last year.

FOOTNOTE: includes wines from Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy, Piedmont & Ligura

From the Tasting Teams

‘As we moved up the price range the Gavis often became more and more about subtlety. Some had real delicacy, poise and balance.’ Neil Bruce, Studio Alto

‘When people have gone beyond Pinot Grigio, but like what it has to offer, Gavi is an obvious step.’ Michael Harrison, consultant

Award winners

Found 11 wines

Italy: North-west, including Gavi & Barolo/Barbaresco

La Scolca, Etichette Bianca, Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2014, Piedmont, Italy

The complexity that emerges from a balanced integration of minerals, fresh vibrant fruit and good acidity took La Scolca to the top. 'Classical Cortese fruit, with white stone fruits and fresh acidity,' said happy consultant Michael Harrison. 'Very mineral nose, taut lemony palate, squeaky clean and very linear,' added team leader Angela Reddin. 'Lemon pith and almond, this is clean and precise,' said fellow team leader Annette Scarfe MW, adding 'Great with seafood,'

£12.05 Eurowines

Ottella, Le Creete Lugana 2014, Lombardy, Italy

Careful late-harvesting of Trebbiano has produced a charmingly zesty wine. 'Herbal, fresh and clean, elegant and balanced,' enthused Neil Bruce of Studio Alto, with consultant Michael Harrison adding: 'Savoury, grassy nose, almost herbal, with textured palate and measured acidity,' and consultant sommelier Courtney Stebbings noting: 'Gooseberry, passion fruit sorbet and grapefruit flavours.' Match with risotto with creamy, herby notes.

£11.89 Enotria&Coe

Marco Porello, Cascina Cà Gialla, Roero Arneis 2014, Piedmont, Italy

Fantastic value, lovely texture and great breadth of fruit flavours gave Marco Porello's Roero Arneis the edge. 'Pears and lemon sherbet, with a little spritz lifting and brightening the whole,' said team leader Angela Reddin, adding: 'A touch of pithy bitterness is lovely.' Consultant sommelier Courtney Stebbings said: 'Caribbean island vibes, with pineapple and sea breeze aromas, peach cobbler and Cedro lemon,' 'Fruity, hint of spice, crisp and crunchy tang. Good,' concluded Neil Bruce of Studio Alto. Match with spicy Thai food.

£6.88 Majestic Commercial

La Scolca, d'Antan, Gavi dei Gavi 2004, Piedmont, Italy

One for the big lists, Studio Alto's Neil Bruce said: 'Subtle oak, lovely balance and poise,' while team leader Angela Reddin said 'Herbal, woody notes with floral nuances. Very tight in the mouth, flavours gambol across the tongue. There is also strength and tenacity. Exceptional as a wine.' Hear hear.

£52.40 Eurowines

Araldica, La Battistina, Gavi 2014, Piedmont, Italy

This was a 'classical Cortese' for consultant Michael Harrison. Team leader Angela Reddin noted: 'Blossom, lemon and frangipane, limpid clear flavours. Nice flow in the mouth, with a mere lick of spice. Excellent.'

£6.50 Boutinot

Morgassi Superiore, Volo, Gavi di Gavi Riserva 2011, Piedmont, Italy

'Delicate, with floral hints and a seamless backbone,' said Neil Bruce of Studio Alto. 'Oak influence adds a richness and depth, but not for purists,' commented team leader Angela Reddin, adding: 'Good length.'

£12.76 Bibendum

Michele Chiarlo, Fornaci, Gavi del Comune di Tassarolo 2011, Piedmont , Italy

£19.83 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Araldica, La Battistina, Nuovo Quadro, Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2014, Piedmont , Italy

£7.50 Boutinot

Marchese Luca Spinola, Tenuta Massimiliano, Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2013, Piedmont , Italy