Roberto Sarotto is a family estate based in Neviglie (Langhe) with roots back to 1820. Today it farms about 90 hectares across key Piedmont zones—Neviglie (HQ), Novello, Barolo, Neive and Mango—and operates a second cellar in Gavi established in the early 1990s.

The range spans Barolo and Barbaresco through Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto and Arneis, alongside benchmark Cortese from Gavi di Gavi.
Gavi bottlings from estate vineyards in the commune of Gavi have become a calling card, noted for mineral-driven precision. Known for clean, contemporary winemaking that highlights site character, Sarotto’s wines deliver dependable quality and value across both red and white styles.

Piedmont, located in northwest Italy at the foothills of the Alps, is one of the country’s most prestigious and renowned wine regions. Known for its rolling hills, diverse microclimates, and rich soils, Piedmont offers ideal conditions for growing some of Italy’s most celebrated grape varieties. The region experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, moderated by the nearby Alps and the Tanaro River, which helps reduce frost risk and provides humidity essential for certain grape-growing practices.

Piedmont’s key grape varietals include Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto for reds, and Moscato Bianco and Cortese for whites. Nebbiolo, the star grape, is famous for producing powerful and complex wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, characterised by firm tannins, high acidity, and aromas of cherry, tar, and roses. Barbera offers softer, fruit-forward wines with vibrant acidity, while Dolcetto is known for its approachable, juicy style. Moscato Bianco, used in the production of the sparkling Asti, provides aromatic, sweet wines, and Cortese is the grape behind the crisp, floral Gavi wines.

Viticultural challenges in Piedmont include late spring frosts, which can damage young buds, and the risk of hail, especially during summer storms. The region’s steep vineyard slopes also make mechanisation difficult, necessitating labour-intensive cultivation. Despite these challenges, Piedmont continues to produce world-class wines prized for their elegance and ageing potential.

Cortese is a white grape variety native to Italy’s Piedmont region, best known for producing the crisp and elegant wines of Gavi. It has been cultivated in the region since at least the 17th century and is prized for its ability to retain acidity even in warm conditions, making it ideal for fresh, food-friendly wines.

Viticulturally, Cortese is a relatively vigorous and productive vine, preferring well-drained soils and moderate climates. It ripens mid to late season and is well-suited to the rolling hills of southeastern Piedmont, particularly around the town of Gavi. The grape's naturally high acidity and subtle aromatics make it a favourite for producing clean, mineral-driven wines.

While Cortese remains primarily planted in Italy—especially in Gavi, Colli Tortonesi, and Oltrepò Pavese—it has limited plantings elsewhere, including small experimental plots in Australia and California.

Cortese wines are typically light to medium-bodied, with flavours of green apple, pear, citrus, and almond, often accompanied by floral and mineral notes. Most are made in a dry, unoaked style, though some premium examples see oak ageing for added texture. These wines are best with seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, offering a bright, refreshing character with a distinctly Italian elegance.