Hidden in the hills of Piemonte's Alessandria province and close to the Ligurian coast, the villages of Gavi have long been recognized as the home of one of Italy's most important white wines. Reputedly named for a Germanic princess of mythical origin, the area has been famous since the 17th century for its brilliant, dry white wine produced from a variant of an ancient Roman grape called Cortese. It's worth noting that much of modern Northern Italy grows this grape variety - it is, however, nowhere better produced than in the villages of Gavi.