Araldica Valle Vento Gavi del Comune di Tassarolo

Araldica is Piemonte's most forward-thinking co-operative, situated in Castel Boglione, in the heart of Barbera d'Asti territory. Here they work with 230 grower members to source quality grapes from around 690ha of vineyards. Many of their members joined the co-operative in the 1950s and have a long and loyal relationhip with the winery. They produce wines from Piemonte's main DOC / DOCG regions - predominantly Barbera, Gavi and Moscato, but also including Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero Arneis.

Founded in 1954 by Livio Manera, father of the current Managing Director and winemaker Claudio Manera, Araldica has developed over the past 60+ years to become a major winemaking force in Piemonte, supplying wines across the globe. Claudio's wife Lella heads up quality control at Araldica, where she is responsible for the blending and approval of all wines.

Their son Carlo, also a qualified winemaker, is now part of the Araldica winemaking team. Livio pioneered developments in winemaking techniques - especially with regard to the production of Barbera - and Araldica have since continued to be instrumental in the distribution of Barbera and Gavi within the UK market and internationally. As Claudio states their aim is "to provide a range that is both understandable and accessible. Quite simply, wine for drinking and enjoying."

Araldica's 140 associates, farming 900 hectares of vineyards, have obtained the SQNPI trademark - Sistema di Qualit Nazionale di Produzione Integrata (National Quality System of Integrated Crop Management). Wines and vintages that are now fully compatible with this system have a bee symbol on the label, which guarantees that each phase of production has complied with the strict parameters of integrated crop management. In other words, it is sustainable and eco-compatible, certified by an independent third party. Araldica is also developing a programme of organic viticulture.

Cortese,

The Cortese grapes are selected from organically farmed vineyard in the Tassarolo zone of Gavi, a few kilometres from the La Battistina estate.

After hand-harvesting, vinification takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, to maintain freshness and aromas. The wine spends a short time on lees before bottling.

A zesty and appealing organic Gavi from the Tassarolo zone, close to La Battistina and regarded as one of the best vineyard areas in the Gavi region.

Gently aromatic with zesty citrus, stone fruit and white flower characters. Lime, honeysuckle and mineral notes come to the fore on the expressive, vibrant palate. Ripe and textural with taut acidity leading to a clean, zingy finish.

Drink with grilled fish, shellfish, or risotto primavera.