Pale straw color; lemon-lime, green apple, Bosc pear, grapefruit, honeydew melon; almonds, minerality-flint on the nose and palate.
Dry; good balance of acidity and minerality. No tannins. Crisp, refreshing, lively. Light body. Smooth, tasty, easy drinker. Intriguingly nuanced flavors. Silky mouthfeel. Excellent expression of cortese grape. 12% ABV
The cortese grape also is known cortese de Gavi and just plain Gavi. The grape principally is grown in the Gavi region of the Italian Piedmont (Alessandria province). Wines made with cortese grapes often are likened to Bordeaux Blanc or Pouilly Fumé (sauvignon blanc). First mentions of the grape in Italian viticulture date back to 1659. It is noted for its hardiness against disease and its ability to produce large yields of quality grapes.
The Gavi region has DOCG status, the highest classification for Italian wines. It signifies stringent quality controls and regulations. DOCG wines must meet variety restrictions, yield limits, ripeness, winemaking procedures, and barrel and bottle maturation. Wines undergo tasting and analysis by a government-approved panel to ensure quality. While DOCG generally are considered superior to DOC wines, some DOC wines have more restrictive quality requirements than DOCG. DOCG is more about a guarantee of quality than inherent superiority over DOC wines.
MGM Mondo del Vino is an important Italian producer founded in 1991 by Alfeo Martini, Roger Gabb, and Christoph Mack (thus the MGM). In 2005, the founders sold a significant portion of their shares to their management team, and in 2013 the operation became part of of Mondodelvino S.p.A. group. The group includes multiple estates and operates the Mondodelvine Wine Experience center and museum in Priocca. Mondo del vino is Italian for “world of wine.”
MGM Mondo del Vino Riva Leone Gavi DOCG 2021 is a delicious dry, light wine with admirable crispness and delicious cortese fruit. Versatile and refreshing from a significant player in Italian wine. Works as a refreshing sipper by itself, especially chilled on warmer day; aperitif. Pair with shellfish; lean fish; calamari; chicken in white wine sauce; salads; vegetarian fare, grilled vegetables; pasta dishes with white sauces; appetizers and snacks; cured meats; charcuterie board. Cheese—milder cheeses, goat cheese; mozzarella, ricotta, taleggio, feta, robiola, fontina. $15-17
