Ernesto Picollo: A Pioneer of Gavi di Gavi in Piedmont
Founded in 1945 by Lorenzo Picollo, the Picollo Ernesto winery is located in the Rovereto di Gavi area, the most prestigious subzone within the Gavi DOCG appellation in Piedmont, Italy. The estate has been passed down through generations, with Ernesto Picollo and his son Gian Lorenzo now leading the family’s dedication to crafting artisanal wines. Known for its meticulous approach to winemaking and sustainable vineyard practices, the Picollo family has become synonymous with high-quality Gavi, reflecting the best of its terroir.
Terroir and Vineyards
The estate is located in the prized subzone of Rovereto, in the commune of Gavi, where the Cortese grape variety finds its most expressive form. The family manages 7 hectares of vineyards planted on the region’s signature calcareous clay and iron-rich limestone soils. These soils are crucial to the distinctive minerality and structure found in Picollo’s Gavi wines. The vineyards are positioned on south and southwest-facing slopes, ensuring ideal sun exposure for slow, even ripening of the grapes. The altitude, coupled with the Mediterranean climate, provides cool nights that preserve the natural acidity of the grapes, resulting in fresh and vibrant wines.
organic and Traditional Winemaking
The Picollo family emphasizes organic farming methods, avoiding herbicides and pesticides to maintain the health of the soil and surrounding ecosystems. The vines, averaging 30 years old, are carefully tended to yield low yet high-quality outputs, which contribute to the concentration and complexity of the wines. Harvesting is done manually to ensure that only the ripest and healthiest grapes are selected.
In the winery, the approach is a balance of tradition and modernity. Stainless steel fermentation is used to preserve the aromatic purity and crispness of the Cortese grape. Natural yeasts initiate a slow fermentation process, allowing the wines to develop complexity. The wines are aged in stainless steel tanks, without the use of oak, ensuring the final product retains its bright acidity, fruit-forward character, and distinctive mineral edge.
Sustainable and Organic Winemaking
Berlucchi has taken significant steps toward sustainability, implementing organic farming practices across all its vineyards. They minimize the use of chemicals, opting for organic composting and green manure to maintain soil health. Furthermore, Berlucchi uses renewable energy in its production processes and emphasizes water conservation and biodiversity. In 2017, the estate was awarded Equalitas certification for its efforts in sustainable viticulture and production.
Signature Wines
- Gavi DOCG: Picollo’s classic Gavi offers fresh aromas of citrus, green apple, and hints of white flowers, balanced by a lively acidity and a crisp, clean finish. This wine is a quintessential expression of the Cortese grape and is ideal as an aperitif or paired with seafood.
- Gavi di Gavi ‘Rovereto’ DOCG: The flagship wine of the estate, this single-vineyard Gavi comes from the finest parcels in Rovereto. It exhibits concentrated flavors of peach, lemon, and almond, underpinned by a chalky minerality that reflects the limestone-rich soils of the region. The wine’s long, dry finish and complex aromatics make it one of the standout examples of Gavi
