Description

Piccolo Ernesto Rovereto di Gavi

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, one of the most prestigious area of the appellation. Our 16 hectares of vineyards are planted exclusively with Cortese, a hearty, high acid white varietal, perfectly suited for this area in northern Italy. Cortese thrives in difficult soil, dry climate, and full sun exposure, which Rovereto amply provides. Picollo’s vineyards are predominantly south-facing and the soils have a higher concentration of clay than marl, which allows for year-round water conservation, even in the peak of summer. 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.

Our lands are predominantly in the Rovereto zone, the historic Le Rive vineyards are over sixty years old instead their newest purchase of two hectares lies within the zone of Tassarolo. The grapes for all of Picollo’s wines are hand harvested. The winery itself has recently been modernized but the processes remain traditional, with sparing intervention in the winemaking and no artificial pesticides or herbicides used in the vineyards. With the intent of showcasing our Cortese in its purest form. Our Gavi’s are fermented and aged exclusively in stainless steel.

Our cellar is equipped with all the most modern equipment for processing grapes, storage at controlled temperatures and bottling.  All stages are carried out with extreme care, always respecting our tradition. It is a general and traditional characteristic of Picollo wines to remain “sur lie”, until bottling. This procedure strongly reduces the need to use sulfur dioxide, resulting in a fresh, natural and very drinkable wine. Once the must is obtained, during the vinification phase, fermentation takes place in thermo-controlled steel tanks. Subsequently, the wine becomes clear by natural decantation. The wines of the Picollo Ernesto winery are obtained in compliance with EU directives for the protection of human health and the environment.

Winemaking

Piccolo Ernesto Gavi Roverto White Wine is made with 100% Cortese grapes. The soil type is Marly-clay. The vines have an average age of 65 years old. The Cortese grapes are hand picked in the middle of September. The wine undergoes fermentation in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks.

Tasting

Piccolo Ernesto Rovereto di Gavi Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Pale yellow
• AROMA: Tropical fruits and floral notes
• TASTE: Full, rich notes of pineapple, peach, tropical fruits with floral undertones
• FINISH: Refreshing and crisp
• ABV: 13%