Producing Sauvignon Blanc in Piemonte isn’t exactly conventional. And yet, this very challenge—going against the grain in a land renowned for its reds—inspired the Bava family to cultivate this international grape variety in the heart of Monferrato, in Cocconato. A terroir known for its ability to produce white wines of rare elegance.
It’s here that Relais Bianc, Bava’s Sauvignon Blanc, is born—a wine that embodies vision, a constant pursuit of excellence, and a deep connection to the land.
Giulio Bava shares how this adventure began:
“We chose the hills of Cocconato for our Sauvignon Blanc because we know these are the best-suited areas for high-quality wines, characterized by those white soils known for great reds, but also capable of giving life to excellent whites, especially Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
We planted on cooler slopes to preserve the grape’s aromatic profile in the final stages of ripening, because that’s when Sauvignon truly reveals its soul. This choice allows us to retain the signature aromas and flavours that give the final wine a more refined and elegant palate.”
Bava’s Sauvignon Blanc – Relais Bianc – stands out for its ageing potential and more refined personality compared to international styles. The usual notes of bell pepper and tomato leaf give way to finer aromas, with elegant hints of thyme and sage, making it a wine of unexpected depth and complexity.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RELAIS BIANC
An International Challenge at Home
The Relais Bianc project was born from a very specific desire: to prove that a land known for its reds can also produce a world-class white, one that can stand proudly alongside international benchmarks.
“What drove us to plant Sauvignon Blanc was the desire to take on an international challenge.”
The journey wasn’t instant. The first experimental plantings began in 2005 to evaluate how the grape behaved in different locations. Only in 2011 did the first proper vineyard, the result of a careful selection of the best soils, come to life.
A long and meticulous process led to a wine that balances and expresses both the varietal and the land.
“Sauvignon Blanc is a demanding grape that produces wines with real complexity—not universally crowd-pleasing, but distinctive. It has the power to elevate a terroir. And if it performs well in our vineyards, it’s because this is a great terroir.”
Relais Bianc Particulier 2019: A Sauvignon That Surprises
Some vintages stand out right from the vineyard. 2019 was one of them. Even during harvest, the Sauvignon grapes showed an uncommon concentration and complexity.
“From the start, the 2019 vintage revealed something new, a depth that hinted at a very different kind of expression than our usual ready-to-drink style.”
That insight led to Relais Bianc Particulier 2019, a wine crafted to push beyond the boundaries already defined by Relais Bianc. It is not a new label for the sake of differentiation but the result of a deliberate choice: to slow down, let the wine evolve at its own pace, and allow it to reach greater depth over time.
Unveiled at Vinitaly 2025, this special edition was aged in bottle for nearly five years, developing into a more mature, layered Sauvignon Blanc with intensified aromas of thyme, sage, grapefruit, and an intriguing mineral and balsamic note.
“We opted for extended bottle ageing, which led to the creation of Relais Bianc Particulier 2019, a wine that elevates our classic style to a higher level of complexity and maturity.”
DISCOVER RELAIS BIANC PARTICULIER 2019
Food Pairings: From Traditional to Creative
Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine, suitable for both traditional and more adventurous pairings.
Despite being white, Bava’s Sauvignon Blanc can surprise when paired with structured dishes. It works beautifully not just with fish or classic Piemontese appetizers like stuffed peppers or those in sweet-and-sour marinades but also with goat cheese, risotto, and white meats.
“It pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, especially spring risottos with asparagus, nettles, or other seasonal vegetables, like the St. Peter’s herb frittatas”
Among the more creative, international suggestions, there’s even a playful, pop-inspired idea: the club sandwich.
“It might sound unusual, but imagine a sandwich with sweet and sour sauce, mustard, and white meat, it could be a surprising pairing. After all, the club sandwich is a global icon… And no one’s ever dedicated a wine to it. Maybe we’ll be the first!”
Sauvignon Blanc vs Chardonnay: What’s the Difference?
A common question among wine lovers is how Sauvignon Blanc differs from Chardonnay, two of the world’s most famous white wines.
The truth is, aside from the colour, they share very little.
Even in the vineyard, the two behave quite differently. Sauvignon Blanc tends to grow unruly, with tangled foliage and shoots, while Chardonnay is more orderly and regular.
In the glass, Sauvignon Blanc is generally more aromatic and immediately recognizable, while Chardonnay tends to be richer, rounder, and more alcohol-driven.
Sauvignon Blanc maintains higher acidity, making it sharper and more elegant but less full-bodied. On the other hand, Chardonnay produces more sugar, particularly in Monferrato’s conditions, which results in wines with higher alcohol content and a warmer, softer profile. This often requires earlier harvesting to retain freshness.
Lastly, Chardonnay is well-suited to sparkling wine production, whereas Sauvignon Blanc is not, or at least very rarely.
Taste Bava’s Sauvignon Blancs at the Winery
Are you curious to discover Relais Bianc and Relais Bianc Particulier 2019?
We invite you to Cocconato, among the scenic hills of Monferrato, for a tasting experience at our winery.
Savour our Sauvignon Blancs right where they’re born, and hear the stories behind the wines and the Bava family’s legacy—an authentic journey through aromas, vineyards, and history.
