Picollo Ernesto
Gavi
The 17-acre property of Picollo Ernesto is perched among the rolling hills that surround the town of Gavi. The climate here is much more mediterranean than in the north, benefiting from the constant maritime breezes, unique to the southern Piedmont. Picollo Ernesto’s vineyards sit near 260 meters above sea level in Rovereto di Gavi, the most prestigious area of the appellation. Their nine hectares of vineyards are planted exclusively with Cortese, a hearty, high acid white varietal that thrives in difficult soil, dry climate, and full sun exposure (which Rovereto amply provides). Lorenzo Picollo founded the winery in 1945. The winemaking and day-to-day management was transferred to his son, Ernesto, and is now in the hands of his grandson, Gianlorenzo. Innovating along the way, Gianlorenzo continues to carry the family’s legacy forward with great success.
Tasting Notes
Gavi is an underrated region for Italian whites. Clay soils with old vines give this wine a pear-pulp like aromatic during fermentation and the light, crisp white is worth every dollar.
Cultivation
Manual harvest on gentle slopes of stony clay and marl soil with mostly southern exposure. Density of 4,600 vines/ha and a yield of 1.75kg/vine. Guyot training.
Vinification
Gentle pressing with a pneumatic press in a controlled environment without the presence of oxygen. Fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. No malolactic fermentation.
Aging
Once settled, the wine is bottled and released after an additional period of rest in the bottle.
APPELLATION
DOCG Gavi
VARIETAL
100% Cortese
ABV
12.5%
ALTITUDE
240 meters
SOIL
Clay and rich marl
PHILOSOPHY
Traditional without herbicides
AVERAGE AGE
20 years
ANNUAL PRODUCTION
20,000 btls