2015 Francesco Rinaldi & Figli, Gavi, Piedmont Italy.
With perfectly ripe Cortese grapes bursting with vibrant flavors this sunny fresh Gavi from Francesco Rinaldi is a lovely Italian white that be perfect for Spring and Summer fare, it has a nice ripe density, but still lively and zesty on the palate. While it’s all about the Barolo here at Rinaldi, this Gavi shines in a very beautiful lineup on new releases from Paola Rinaldi and family, her 2012 Barolo offerings are maybe the best to date, while it’s hard not to love the 2010 with it’s power and depth, these 2012’s are lovely Nebbiolos. The Gavi, the only white of Rinaldi on offer is bright and golden with a warm vintage richness, but with classic Cortese snap in it’s step with vital acidity and chalky stoniness, it shows vivid lemon/lime, white flowers, mineral tones, wet river rocks and hints of almond, lemon grass, melon and peach flesh and pit with a touch of exotic spice and herb. This light to medium bodied white is performing outstanding right now and is easy to enjoy, it will be a fine quaffer in the warm months to come, but will also be a solid companion to seafood and or soft cheese plates as well as white meat dishes. Gavi sometimes gets forgotten, but this Rinaldi 2015 is a wine to remind you of how fun and joyous they can be, drink over the next year or so, very stylish indeed.
($24 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
