Wines
Gavi
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- White
- White • Dry
- 11.5–13.5% ABV
- Light-Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- high acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
- ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
- ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.
At a Glance
110–135 calCal / Glass
11.5–13.5%ABV
DrySweetness
highAcidity
LowTannin
Light-MediumBody
0.5–2.5gSugar
8°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Gavi?
Gavi is a crisp dry Italian white wine from Piedmont, made from Cortese, known for citrus, green apple, and mineral freshness.
Taste profile
Dry sweetnesshigh acidityLow tanninsLight-Medium bodyMineralAppleCitrusCrisp
Sensory profile
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: White
- ABV range: 11.5–13.5%
- Light-Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- Body
- Light-Medium
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Acidity
- high
- Tannin
- Low
- Mineral · medium intensity — Gavi often has a mineral edge.
- Apple · medium intensity — Gavi can show green apple notes.
- Citrus · high intensity — Gavi commonly shows citrus freshness.
- Crisp · high intensity — Gavi is known for crisp acidity.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Cortese
- Region(s)
- Piedmont
- Country
- Italy
- Sweetness
- Low
How it’s made
- Method
- Dry still white wine fermentation.
How to serve
- Serving temperature
- 8°C
- Glassware
- White wine glass
When to serve
DinnerSavoury foodWhite
Also known as
Gavi di Gavi (regional_quality_name)
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- SoaveBoth white styles; similar sweetness (dry); light-medium body.
- Vernaccia di San GimignanoBoth white styles; similar sweetness (dry); light-medium body.
- Seyval BlancBoth white styles; similar sweetness (dry); light-medium body.
- Gruner VeltlinerBoth white styles; similar sweetness (dry); shared crisp, citrus, mineral notes.
- PicpoulBoth white styles; similar sweetness (dry); shared crisp, citrus, mineral notes.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Gavi?
- Gavi is a crisp dry Italian white wine from Piedmont, made from Cortese, known for citrus, green apple, and mineral freshness.
- What does Gavi taste like?
- Gavi is often described as Mineral, Apple, Citrus, Crisp. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with Gavi?
- Gavi pairs well with Small Plates, Salads, Seafood, Shellfish. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- How strong is Gavi?
- Gavi typically has an ABV of 11.5–13.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 110–135 cal. Strength and calorie content vary by producer and vintage.
- When should I drink Gavi?
- Gavi works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to Gavi?
- If you enjoy Gavi, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does Gavi improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for Gavi depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
- How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
- If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Gavi with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.