The 18ha Santa Seraffa estate is situated in the prized Gavi del Comune di Gavi zone which surrounds the town of Gavi itself (rather than the satellite villages). It now belongs to Araldica, one of Gavi's leading producers, who have the largest vineyard holdings in the region and a 15 year reputation for crafting the highest quality expressions of the indigenous Cortese grape. The Santa Seraffa vineyards are south-facing, on striking pale, chalky clay soils allowing for excellent drainage. The vines are, on average, approximately 45yrs old. The combination of a fantastic site and vineyard age confer complexity and body to the resulting wines. The Cortese grapes here ripen relatively late and achieve modest alcohol levels - integral to create elegant wines. The name of the estate comes from the Hermitage of Santa Seraffa - a destination for pilgrims in the thirteenth century, who were also attracted by the wines produced by the Cistercian monks.