Discovering Gavi di Gavi: A Personal Wine Adventure

I recently fell for Trullo's Gavi di Gavi. This crisp white pairs perfectly with seafood and has a charming backstory—let me share!

The Allure of Gavi di Gavi

When I first stepped into Trullo, the enchanting Italian restaurant in Islington, I was greeted by an extensive wine list that promised to delight any wine lover. As I perused the selections, one particular wine caught my eye: the 2023 Gavi di Gavi. With a price tag of just £10 for a glass, it was hard to resist. Will Amherst, Trullo’s wine buyer, explains that this is their second own-label wine, crafted with care and intention alongside trusted producers.

But what makes this Gavi so special? For starters, it’s not just another white wine; it’s a versatile companion for seafood dishes. Picture enjoying it alongside a dish of Cornish monkfish carpaccio with blood orange and fennel—a match made in heaven! The slightly saline and refreshing notes of the Gavi elevate the dining experience to new heights. I couldn’t help but think back to my own attempts at pairing wines with food, realizing that sometimes it’s about letting the ingredients shine through.

The Art of Pairing

Pairing food and wine can feel daunting, but Trullo’s philosophy simplifies it beautifully. Amherst notes that their Gavi di Gavi replaces a bestseller on their list because it’s an easy choice for diners who may not know what they want. Reflecting on my journey through various wine pairings, I remember how intimidating it felt at first; however, once you embrace flavors like those found in this zesty white, everything changes.

With its crisp profile reminiscent of Albariño, Gavi di Gavi is perfect for warm summer evenings or light meals. On one occasion, I enjoyed it with a pasta dish topped with shaved violetta artichoke and bottarga—what an unforgettable experience! It’s fascinating how the right wine can transform a meal into something extraordinary.

Exploring Off-Piste Options

While Chianti and Gavi di Gavi are household names among Italian wines, Trullo offers some intriguing alternatives worth exploring. One such gem is the 2019 Celementi Valpolicella Superiore, served chilled at 11°C—a temperature many might overlook when serving red wines. Amherst’s philosophy resonates with me; we often drink reds too warm!

Chilling this light red brings out its vibrant cherry and red fruit notes, making it a versatile option for various dishes at Trullo. I recall sharing a bottle with friends during a summer gathering—it paired beautifully with grilled meats and even lighter fare like fish tacos!

A Gateway Orange?

For those feeling adventurous, Trullo features the Sant’Agnese Covante Coda di Volpe, described as a “gateway orange” wine. My initial hesitation towards orange wines dissipated upon tasting this smooth offering—it’s approachable yet complex enough to intrigue even seasoned palates.

Amherst’s aim was to present an orange wine that could captivate newcomers without overwhelming them with funky flavors common in some varieties. It reminded me of my first exploration into natural wines—taking small sips until discovering hidden treasures behind each bottle!

Sweet Endings: The Sicilian Touch

As we navigated through our meal, dessert beckoned us to the next level of indulgence—enter Marsala Riserva from Curatolo Arini! With its nutty aroma and dried fruit characteristics thanks to oxidative aging, it’s perfect for pairing with cheese or sweet treats like ricotta doughnuts drizzled in cinnamon custard.

It struck me how fortified wines often remain underrated in many circles; yet they can elevate your dining experience remarkably! Just like Marsala complements cheese boards effortlessly, it teaches us about balance in food pairings.

Future Wine Dreams at Trullo

During our conversation about future plans for Trullo’s wine list, Amherst expressed his desire to include more offerings from Sardinia and explore English still wines—an exciting prospect as climate change opens doors for unique varieties across regions! Just last week, I tried an English Chardonnay from Kent that blew me away—who knew there were such gems locally?

In conclusion, my time at Trullo has reshaped my understanding of Italian wines and their beautiful connections with food. Next time you visit Islington or seek a delightful pairing adventure elsewhere, don’t shy away from experimenting with lesser-known varietals—they might just surprise you!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Wine Pairing

What is Gavi di Gavi?

Gavi di Gavi is a white wine made primarily from Cortese grapes grown in the specific region around the town of Gavi in Italy. Its crisp acidity makes it ideal for seafood dishes.

How should I serve Valpolicella?

Valpolicella is best served chilled around 11°C to enhance its fruity flavors and make it more refreshing during warm weather.

What are orange wines?

Orange wines are made from white grapes fermented with their skins—giving them an orange hue and unique flavor profile that’s gaining popularity among adventurous drinkers.

Photo by John Murzaku on Unsplash