Musement visits Magda Pedrini, a vineyard in Gavi that produces some of the region’s most elegant white wines.
Magda Pedrini. Say it. Just the name in and of itself has an elegant ring. So, it should come as no surprise that everything about this wine producer in Gavi exudes a refined, yet approachable elegance, from the resident dog Chanel’s warm welcome to minimalist white furniture to the gold cursive font that bedecks the wine bottles.
Magda Pedrini arrived on the wine scene in 2006, but the eponymous vineyard owner is no stranger to Gavi. The former professor always had dreamed of a winery in her hometown. The estate itself lies in the heart of Gavi, one of Italy’s 74 wine regions that holds D.O.C.G. status wines. Located on the fifteenth century Cà de Meo hamlet in southeast Piedmont’s Alessandria province, Magda Pedrini’s landscape is characterized by three sunlight-soaked amphitheatre hills on ten hectares of compact marl soil. Add the warm breeze from the Ligurian Sea breeze meets the cool mountain air, an atmosphere when coupled with the thin, compact the cortese grapes flourish.
Magda Pedrini’s inviting lounge area
The estate’s sophisticated yet unfussy ambiance greets visitors, who can take a seat on one of inviting tasting saloon’s chic white couches and easily feel like they’re in one’s home. Warm exposed wooden beams hover above, while light pours in through the windows, which offer stunning views of the idyllic Gavi landscape. Step out on the large terrace for even better views! On a side note, Magda Pedrini is the perfect venue for weddings and other special events, and you can take a cooking class in the spacious onsite kitchen. The property’s renovated borgo, small historic village, is being converted into accommodations so guests can stay overnight.
And now, on to the wines! The bottles display Magda Pedrini’s distinct gold logo in a cursive font, and here’s what you can expect to taste during your visit to the estate. Magda Pedrini’s Gavi is famous for its crisp, floral, peachy, aromatic qualities, and you can taste a few varieties directly at the source.
Three of Magda Pedrini’s signature wines
- Gavi di Gavi è D.O.C.G. This quintessential Gavi is bottled the spring after the vintage. Expect typical bright fruit such as apricot, citrus notes, white flowers and a hint of chamomile and minerality.
- La Piacentina D.O.C.G. During the last ten days of September, the grapes to make this particular wine are picked by hand, having grown on vines that are more than 40 years old. The grapes are then sorted into small 20 kg boxes after which the best bunches are selected. There’s a 48 hour maceration and longer aging, which leads to intense stone fruit flavors and pronounced minerality.
- Domino di Cà da Meo D.O.C.G. During the last ten days of September, the grapes to make this particular wine are picked by hand, having grown on vines that are more than 40 years old. The grapes are then sorted into small 20 kg boxes after which the best bunches are selected.
- Gavi Metodo Classico D.O.C.G. This luscious bubbly made using the Champagne making method contains 100% Cortese grapes. The delicate wine offers the yeast flavors typical of a Metodo Classico wine plus light hints of white flowers and fruit. Crisp and refreshing, the Gavi Metodo Classico si perfect for an aperitivo.
- Il Pettirosso di Cà De Meo,Monferrato Rosso D.O.C. Made from Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the Pettirosso has an intense ruby shaded wine has a touch of vanilla and herbaceous flavors.
Book your wine tasting at Magda Pedrini here and if you’d like to hone your culinary talent, couple your tasting with a cooking class.