A new label joins the Bava portfolio: Relais Bianc Particulier 2019, a unique expression of Sauvignon Blanc that reflects the estate’s ongoing commitment to interpreting the characteristics of each vintage to their fullest potential.
For over twenty years, Bava has cultivated a true passion for Sauvignon Blanc. In the early 2000s, the estate began a meticulous search for the most suitable soils and vineyard positions to explore how this noble grape variety could best express its character in the Monferrato hills. The first vines were planted in small plots, with limited micro-vinifications carried out to evaluate the results.
In 2006, after identifying the ideal site, the first dedicated vineyard was established. By 2011, the inaugural vintage of Relais Bianc was released, joining the estate’s collection of international varietals alongside the Chardonnay traditionally vinified for Thou Bianc.
Over time, both of these varieties have proven capable of delivering complex and age-worthy wines – white wines with the same potential for evolution in the bottle as Bava’s renowned reds.
“Sauvignon Blanc belongs to that elite group of grape varieties cultivated in wine regions all over the world,” says Giulio Bava, owner of the family estate founded in 1911.
“However, Sauvignon is also one of the most demanding: it only reveals its true potential – and that of its terroir – under specific soil and climatic conditions. To plant our Relais Blanc, we chose a site at Cascina della Pieve, on a mid-hill slope at 300 metres above sea level, facing west. The cooler white clay-limestone soils, typically known for great reds, have proven equally suited to producing refined, structured whites.
In special vintages, this vineyard produces a wine with greater finesse and longevity, offering delicate aromas of thyme and sage, which add depth and intrigue to the wine.”
The 2019 vintage offered something distinctly different right from the vine – a promising aromatic and structural profile that inspired the decision to undertake a longer ageing process.
“From the beginning,” continues Giulio Bava, “we recognised a different expressive potential in this vintage – one that did not conform to the immediate, ready-to-drink style.
This led us to a longer bottle-ageing approach, giving rise to Relais Bianc Particulier 2019: a wine that represents an elevated, more complex evolution of our classic Relais Bianc – an exclusive release that redefines our interpretation of Sauvignon.”
Vinification and ageing
The gentle pressing and cold maceration of the grapes in an oxygen-protected atmosphere precede the slow fermentation of the must, which is partially clarified at low temperature overnight before fermentation begins. The wine is aged “sur lie” for 10 months in steel tanks.
Then, five years of ageing in the bottle for this particular vintage.
Tasting notes
The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc shows unique characteristics, with an expressive potential that differs from the usual ready-to-drink style. As a result, it was decided to preserve this vintage for a long bottle aging, giving birth to Relais Bianc Particulier, an exclusive evolution that elevates Sauvignon Blanc to a new level of complexity and maturity. On the nose, elegant citrus notes of grapefruit are evident, distinguished by more intense hints of sage and thyme, along with a balsamic and mineral touch. On the palate, it remains elegant and savory, with good acidity and body, offering great smoothness and a persistent finish.