Produced from 100% Cortese grapes in the heart of Piedmont, Principessa Gavia is Banfi's flagship Gavi. Named after Princess Gavia, a figure from local legend, the wine is celebrated for its freshness, elegance, and classic northern Italian character.
Professional Ratings
| Critic |
Rating |
| Wine Enthusiast |
90 Points (recent vintages) |
| James Suckling |
90–91 Points (recent vintages) |
The 2022 vintage has been praised for its bright acidity, citrus purity, and food-friendly style.
Tasting Profile
Aromatics
- Green apple
- White peach
- Lemon zest
- Pear
- White flowers
- Almond blossom
Palate
- Light- to medium-bodied
- Crisp citrus and orchard fruit
- Refreshing minerality
- Vibrant acidity
- Elegant, clean texture
Finish
- Bright and refreshing
- Lingering citrus and stone fruit notes
- Subtle almond nuance typical of Gavi
Sommelier Presentation Note
2022 Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG
A classic expression of Cortese, offering aromas of green apple, white peach, lemon zest, and white flowers. Crisp and refreshing on the palate, it balances vibrant citrus fruit with delicate minerality and lively acidity, finishing clean, elegant, and food-friendly.
In 1979, John and Harry Mariani, owners of Banfi Vintners, established the the Principessa Gavia estate. Just a few kilometers from the town of Strevi in Italy’s Piedmont region, this vineyard estate is dedicated exclusively to the cultivation of the Cortese di Gavi grape, the sole white grape used to make Principessa Gavia Gavi and the light frizzante Principessa Perlante.
The name Principessa Gavia comes from a historical tale: a princess named Gavia fell in love with a handsome man who served as a guard in her father's court. The couple sought the king's permission to marry, but he refused to have his daughter wed out of her class. Desperate, the young couple fled to a distant part of the kingdom and settled in a sleepy village on the other side of the alps.
They eluded the king's troops until one night, after enjoying a generous amount of a local white wine, the groom confided their story to the local innkeeper. The innkeeper nodded and feigned sympathy, but sent word to the king and collected a handsome reward. Troops found the couple and brought them back to the king to face punishment.
The King looked into his daughter's eyes and could not help but forgive her. He blessed their union, and as a wedding gift, bequeathed them the town which they had chosen to settle in. In her honor he gave the name Gavi to the town as well as the charming white wine they drank.
