Steven Heydemann

9.2

Great vintage, great vineyard, very solid producer. Showing beautifully. — 20 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Piazza Duomo acker — 23 days ago

Anthony Pro

9.5

Perfect. It’s perfect. — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.3

Medium deep ruby , quite thin garnet rim . Aromatic and open at the start , dried herbs , rosemary , thyme , hedgerow , dried dark cherry , black tea , black pepper and touch of anis. On the palate this is quite rich , but with refreshing acidity , dried dark fruits, black tea and dried wild herbs , hedgerow notes . Quite fine tannins and surprisingly integrated alcohol with a long dried rose , herbal tinged finish . This is perfect now but no rush though is unlikely to improve, from now and over the next 5 -8 years . A unique take on Valpolicella , complex, lively and though
Weighty is extremely well balanced . — 8 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.3

Very light and elegant. Paired well with porchetta spiced pork chops — 25 days ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.5

Pretty. Bright red fruit. Impossibly long finish. 2008 — 2 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.4

Quite deep garnet , just a hint of ruby and a wide garnet , terracotta rim. Touches of chestnut , dark fruits , earthy liquorice , dry spice and black tea . On the palate this is very classically styled , with dark liquorice tinged blackberry, raspberry , spiced black tea and menthol tinged good long length finish . Balanced acaidity and quite high , grippy tannins. With time this is beginning to show quite well , but will not doubt improve over the next 5 perhaps 10 years and last well a further 10 . Really quite classic and imposing in style , but detailed and complex. — 10 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.6

Acker birthday auction. An experience. Super concentrated. — 15 days ago

Victor Rauch

9.6

A great wine in a great place. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Villa Sparina, Gavi 2023
Piedmont, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Made from 100% Cortese grapes, Villa Sparina is one of the benchmarks of the Gavi DOCG. Known for its amphora-shaped bottle and consistent quality, this estate showcases the elegance of Piedmont’s flagship white wine.

Gavi DOCG is the crown jewel of Cortese, recognized as one of Italy’s most important white appellations—celebrated for its mineral-driven freshness and ability to rival more famous whites from Burgundy or Loire.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh, crisp aromas of white peach, green apple, and citrus zest, with delicate hints of almond and wildflowers. On the palate, it’s lively and precise, offering citrus and orchard fruit layered with a touch of minerality and a subtle saline note.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with bright acidity and a clean, elegant finish. Refreshing, harmonious, and very approachable—everything you want in a classic Gavi.

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested Cortese, fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity. Minimal oak influence ensures the varietal character shines through.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled fish, seafood risotto, or a classic Caprese salad. Also a wonderful aperitif thanks to its crisp, mouthwatering finish.

Verdict
A benchmark Gavi—zesty, mineral, and impeccably balanced. Villa Sparina continues to set the standard for what Cortese can deliver: elegance and everyday drinkability with a touch of Italian charm. — 3 months ago