Queen of Gavi, LA SCOLCA
La Scolca is a prestigious winery that represents Gavi, whose history began in 1919 when Giovanni Battista Parodi purchased the land it currently occupies. In 2024, the winery celebrates its 105th anniversary, having continued to produce wine in Gavi, southern Piedmont, for over a century.
The winery name "Scolca" is derived from a word meaning "watchtower." As its name suggests, this area was once known as a high ground overlooking its surroundings, and it still owns vineyards in the Rovereto district, where some of the finest Cortese grapes in the Gavi region are grown.
When the winery was founded, this land was primarily used for wheat cultivation, and the grapes planted were for producing wine for family consumption.
However, it was Giovanni's son-in-law, Vittorio Soldati, who was quick to realize the great potential of this land for winemaking.
Even during the difficult period after World War II, when many wineries faced hardship, Vittorio continued to make wine, believing in the potential of high-quality white wine made from the Cortese grape.
At the time, Gavi was strongly associated with mass-produced white wine and was not considered a high-end wine. However, Vittorio decided to change that image.
The first producer to bottle Gavi
In 1950, Vittorio Soldati bottled Gavi for the first time and displayed it in the window of "Piassa," a luxury food store in Turin.
In an era when selling wine by the liter was common, he personally marketed it, aiming to promote "Gavi as a high-quality wine" to the world.
This challenge was a major turning point that laid the foundation for today's Gavi.
Vittorio's achievement was not simply making wine, but enhancing the value of the "Gavi" category itself.
In 1969, the Soldati family registered the trademark "Gavi dei Gavi," which later became an iconic presence in the Italian white wine world.
At that time, the region was known for red wine production, but La Scolca was quick to focus on the potential of white wine and established a sophisticated style using the Cortese grape.
Furthermore, to maximize the delicate Cortese, they introduced modern and controlled winemaking techniques. From old vines over 60 years old, they produce long-aging Gavi with aromatic acidity and structure.
Family Philosophy Handed Down Through Four Generations
From left: Ferdinando, Chiara, Luisa (Chiara's mother), Giorgio (Chiara's father, 3rd generation)
The winery is currently led by Ms. Chiara Soldati, the fourth-generation owner. She has inherited the history and philosophy of La Scolca and has grown the brand into a global presence. Thanks to her marketing prowess, many world-renowned celebrities enjoy La Scolca's wines.
In 2024, Chiara's son, Ferdinando, also officially joined the winery, and as the next generation, he is promoting the value of La Scolca to the world.
The passion and innovation of the family, handed down through four generations, are still deeply ingrained in the winery today.
La Scolca is not merely a producer of Gavi. It is a symbol of Gavi's history itself, having believed in the potential of the Cortese grape and elevated Gavi to the status of a "high-quality white wine" on the world stage.
The spirit of innovation and challenge, passed down for over 100 years, continues to create new value for Gavi from this land even today.
Words from the 4th generation owner, Ms. Chiara
La Scolca means “looking forward”
"La Scolca means 'looking forward'."
