Medium gold-straw color; citrus, lemon-lime, apple, orange peel, white peach, melon, almond, minerality-saline on the nose and palate.
Dry; no tannins; bright acidity. Medium body. After a somewhat uninteresting initial attack, wine gets more interesting with citrus tang, bitter almond, and minerality in the mid-palate and extended finish. This is a simple wine without a tasty, dominant feature, but it is refreshing and clearly a wine that longs to be paired with food, where it demonstrates its value. 12% ABV
Made with cortese grape, also 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). Do not expect the searing sharpness of New Zealand. Grapes for this effort come from young vineyards in the heart of Rovereto of Gavi, known as the Gran Crù of Gavi.
This La Scolca wine also is known—or was known—as La Scolca Gavi Black Label, but in current iteration that is only inferred by the label, indeed, being black. There also is/was a La Scolca Gavi White Label. The Bianco Secco Gavi dei Gavi is La Scolca most traditional Gavi effort.
The winery story, from the website: “The La Scolca estate was purchased in 1919 by the great-grandfather of Giorgio Soldati who, today, leads the company with his daughter Chiara. The past and the future live together at La Scolca: the naturalness of those who have always been in this industry is combined with the vigor of forward-looking leaders.
“The surname Soldati ‘soldiers’ is particularly symbolic for the approach taken by the company’s owners. The name of the property, as well, is symbolic. La Scolca brand comes from ‘Sfurca’ or ‘Look off into the distance’ and the farmhouse that stood there was exactly that: a lookout post. These names reflect the proud and tenacious character of the owners and their wines.”
La Scolca Bianco Secco Gavi dei Gavi DOCG 2022 is lively, fruit-forward presentation of the cartese grape. Simple, straightforward, a white wine that knows its place as a food friend complement rather than one to take the center stage on your palate. As a solo sipper, its simplicity may hold it back, depending upon your proclivities. But as a wine paired with right food, it can shine by complementing the gastronomic event rather than asserting itself. Good palate cleanser. Pair with seafood with lemon and basil; lighter fish; oysters; pesto pastas; light meats; vegetables. Cheese—fresh, soft cheeses; mozzarella, burrata; fresh ricotta, fromage blanc, neufachâtel; goat cheese; parmigiano-reggiano, pecorino. Serve cheese at room temperature on board rather than cold on plate. $34-42
