Gavi and Vallee d’Aoste – two unsung heroes of Italian wine regions that RWM has long celebrated – recently received their flowers with features in Wine Enthusiast. Writer Maeve Ward argues that Gavi, the underappreciated region located in Piedmont’s southeastern corner, “is always a good idea” and extolls the aging potential of the area’s wine. Meanwhile, Valle d’Aosta is highlighted as Italy’s smallest wine region which was saved from near-extinction in the 1970s. The revival of its 19 local grape varieties roots the region even further in its history and traditions, freezing Valle d’Aosta in time.
In both features, RWM wines are praised. La Raia’s 2024 Pleo Cortese (Gavi) is recommended as a one of Gavi’s finest fresh and youthful wines, receiving the following review:
A stunning wine from a vastly underrated region, this wine opens with vibrant orchard fruits and cascading spring blossoms, creating a seductive aromatic cloud that pulls you into the glass. The dynamic palate dazzles with tart fruit, almond skin, and peach stone complexity, while fresh herbs add layers of intrigue. This brilliant Gavi captures both immediate pleasure and serious aging potential. Drink Now – 2035. Best Buy. 93 Points
Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast
Further north, our growers are also lauded for their phenomenal expressions of what Clara Dalzell calls, “in some ways, Italy’s most versatile [region].” Ermes Pavese Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle is described as “a white so brisk it could have come straight from glacier melt.”
Grosjean Vins is also featured favorably: “With alpine freshness and mineral purity as a backbone, they are among the few sources exploring the region’s grapes side by side.” And Danilo Thomain’s Enfer d’Arvier is mentioned as a staple local blend which relies heavily on the indigenous Petit Rouge variety.
As a longtime partner of Italy’s brightest yet most overlooked regions, we are thrilled to see these superb and one-of-a-kind regions appreciated more widely.
Grower Spotlights
Since coming home to work at his family’s domaine full-time in 2018, Paul Fumoso—with mom Stéphanie by his side—has steered Gour de Chaulé to new heights, and the wines of this stalwart Gigondas estate are more popular stateside than ever.
Grower Spotlights
Rather than crafting their lineup to accommodate perceived market demand, Philippe and Vincent allow the character of the growing season to dictate which wines they produce from a given harvest.
Grower Spotlights
In Jacques’ modest cellar beneath his house in Montigny-les-Arsures, Emeric learned the virtues of restraint and the value in trusting one’s fruit; he learned to act as shepherd rather than “winemaker,” and his wines at Les Matheny embody that philosophy arguably more emphatically than even Puffeney’s did.
