Vineyards and winemaking
Le Rive lies in Rovereto within the commune of Gavi, at approximately 250–300 metres with predominantly southern exposure. Its 65-year-old Cortese vines are rooted in marly clay that retains valuable moisture, while maritime air from the Ligurian direction helps preserve acidity.
The grapes are harvested by hand around the middle of September and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel. The wine also matures in steel, with no oak used, keeping the variety's floral fruit, mineral freshness and natural clarity at the centre.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Pale straw yellow with bright green reflections.
Nose
White peach, pineapple and green apple are joined by lemon blossom, fresh almond and wet stone.
Palate
Dry and finely rounded, with orchard and tropical fruit held by brisk acidity. A marly mineral note and gentle almond bitterness give definition to the clean, lightly saline finish.
Food pairing
Pair with crab linguine, grilled sea bream, courgette and ricotta ravioli, or a salad of fennel, orange and goat's cheese. It is also an elegant aperitif with salted almonds.
Background story
Picollo Ernesto was founded by Lorenzo Picollo in 1945 and is now carried forward by Ernesto and Gianlorenzo Picollo. The family farms approximately 16 hectares, principally at Rovereto di Gavi with additional holdings around Tassarolo, all planted to Cortese.
Gavi di Gavi is the familiar shorthand for Gavi del Comune di Gavi, indicating that the Cortese was grown within the commune itself. Le Rive is the family's old-vine, single-site expression from prestigious Rovereto, offering more depth and aromatic breadth than a simple regional Gavi.
