La Raia
Fig. 4 The cellar, built of rammed earth
La Raia lies in the hills of Gavi near Novi Ligure. The Rossi Cairo family acquired the estate in 2002 with the aim of restoring and enhancing its original ecosystem through biodynamic principles.
The estate includes vineyards alongside fields, pastures and woodland, creating a deliberately diverse agricultural environment. La Raia describes the farm as a single organism in which vineyards are one part of a wider ecosystem.
Biodynamic farming was introduced after the family's arrival and La Raia has been Demeter certified since 2007. The approach extends beyond avoiding synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides: biodiversity, soil vitality, mixed farming and the relationship between the different parts of the estate are central to how La Raia works.
grapeCortese
estateVineyards alongside fields, pastures and woodland — the farm as one organism
familyRossi Cairo family, since 2002
farmingBiodynamic, Demeter certified since 2007
Hearing how you grew up here, and how generations of your family still live and work on the estate, brought the vineyard to life in a way that tasting notes never could.
The Sipsense relationship with La Raia developed through a visit to the estate and time spent with Matthias.
Hearing Matthias describe growing up at La Raia, and how generations of his family continue to live and work on the estate, gave the visit a context that went beyond wine alone.
Biodynamics isn't simply a method at La Raia; it's a philosophy that shapes everyday life.
Cortese, at the harvest.
Gavi DOCG Pleo
100% Cortese
Pleo is La Raia's traditional expression of Gavi. The Cortese comes from calcareous and clay-rich soils around the cellar and is hand harvested. The wine remains on its lees for approximately six months before a short period of bottle ageing, with freshness, floral and fruit character, minerality and the characteristic savoury quality of Gavi at the centre of its style.
Gavi DOCG Riserva Vigna Madonnina
100% Cortese
Vigna Madonnina comes from one of La Raia's older vineyards, with vines averaging around forty years of age on calcareous, clay and marl soils. The grapes are hand harvested and the wine receives extended ageing, giving a more complex, structured and age-worthy expression of Cortese.
Barbera Piemonte DOC Bruente
100% Barbera
Bruente broadens the La Raia story beyond Cortese while remaining firmly rooted in the estate's biodynamic approach. It offers a contrasting Piedmontese expression: generous fruit and freshness, with the character and accessibility that make Barbera particularly useful at the table.
La Raia, in bottle.
The La Raia selection is available to discuss with importers, distributors and hospitality groups.
contact@sipsense.co.uk