Giordano Lombardo Gavi D.O.C.G. 2024

Tasting: Pure, transparent, mineral-driven. This Italian, biodynamic, Gavi hits the palate like a garden margarita, crisp melon-rind mingling with mouthwatering salty lemon notes, accented by a nutty blanched-almond character. Characterized as bone-dry, minerally, with laser-like focus and vibrant energy.

Giordano Lombardo - is both the producer's name and the name of the winery itself.  The estate is located in the Gavi DOCG region in Piedmont, Italy. Giordano Lombardo is the winemaker/proprietor who has established an estate known for producing pure, mineral-driven expressions of Cortese (the grape used in Gavi).

Grape: 100% Cortese

Nestled amongst the hills of Gavi in Piedmont, Giordano’s vineyards reap the benefits of the cool Ligurian sea breezes that wash over the low-yielding vines, which helps to preserve the natural acidity in the grapes. The vineyards are also surrounded by densely planted oak forests which promote high levels of biodiversity and conserve the natural
environment.

Winery background and approach:

The Lombardo family have owned their land since the 1980s, where it was used for general agriculture. Their son Giordano studied winemaking in Alba and began working at fellow Gavi winery La Scolca upon graduation, where he learned the true importance of ‘hands off’ winemaking and the patience that is required to go with it. When Giordano took over the reins from his father in 2000, the focus of the family land switched entirely to viticulture, with specific commitment to sustainability and biodynamic practice. Giordano is known to be a very thoughtful person who gives great amounts of
consideration to any decision made in both vineyard and cellar. 

Giordano observes the particularities of the growing season and responds to the needs of his soils while keeping interference to a minimum. In the cellar, Giordano adopts a low-fi approach to his winemaking with as little manipulation as possible. He keeps the
skins on in the press for one week minimum to add texture to the wine. Additionally, each plot of the vineyard is vinified separately to allow the pure expression of the terroir to shine through. Unusually for Gavi whites, Giordano allows the Cortese to go through malolactic fermentation, due to the very high levels of acidity present in his wines. He has a signature winemaking style, and the resulting wines are always pure, mineral and brimming with energy. Cortese as a variety has historically been overlooked. However, Giordano exemplifies the grape’s capabilities in terms of its complexity and ability
to age.

The estate is now Demeter certified.