When Alberto Ghibellini and Marina Galli established La Ghibellina in 2000, they were building something personal: the estate's flagship wine, Mainìn, takes its name from the local dialect form of Marina's name, and the property sits on land that Marina's family has known for generations.
Backstory
Alberto and Marina founded the estate in Monterotondo, a hamlet within the Gavi municipality, in 2000. Alberto holds a doctorate in philosophy and represented Italy in water polo at two Olympic Games; Marina's family, long established in Gavi, carries the artistic nickname "Pituj" -- painters -- from their community. The first vintage was 2000 and the winery converted to certified organic production in 2016, covering both vineyard and cellar.
The Region
Gavi sits in the southeastern corner of Piedmont, less than an hour from Genoa and the Ligurian coast. The appellation takes its name from the medieval town of Gavi and is the principal home of Cortese, the white grape that produces wines of notable acidity, mineral bite, and longevity when the soils and producer are right. La Ghibellina's vineyards occupy rolling limestone-rich clay hills between the Po Valley to the north and the Ligurian Apennines to the south.
Vineyards and Farming
The estate extends across approximately 20 hectares of vineyards. Soils are predominantly limestone-rich clay, and the slopes face varying aspects across the hilly terrain. Brisk winds common to the zone help maintain vine health. Organic certification covers all agricultural practice since 2016.
Winemaking
The cellar is overseen by oenologist Beppe Caviola, with agronomist Alberto Abate guiding vineyard management. Mainìn, the flagship Gavi di Gavi, is fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve Cortese's characteristic freshness and mineral lift. A Metodo Classico Brut, also from Cortese, ages on the lees for 24 months.
The Wines
The range includes Mainìn (Gavi di Gavi DOCG), Altius, Pituj (a Monferrato Rosso blending Merlot and Barbera), Nero del Montone, the Metodo Classico Brut, and Cuvée Marina, a special bottling named directly for Marina herself.
