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 gold with clear green highlights.
Nose
White flowers, peach and pineapple rise above crisp apple, lemon peel and a subtle stony note.
Palate
Fuller than its pale colour suggests, with ripe orchard fruit and peach balanced by distinctive acidity. Fine mineral tension and an almond-skin note shape the long, fresh finish.
Food pairing
Serve with scallop risotto, poached salmon and herbs, roast chicken with lemon, or a spring vegetable and Parmesan tart. Its clean, saline edge also works particularly well with fried courgette flowers.
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.
Le Rive is the estate's historic old-vine parcel at Rovereto and is officially Gavi del Comune di Gavi, often rendered as Gavi di Gavi. This listing therefore represents the same vineyard designation and pure stainless-steel approach, with no artificial difference implied by the shorter Gavi DOCG wording in its title.
