Cortese is a white Italian wine grape variety predominantly grown in the southeastern regions of Piedmont in the provinces of Alessandria and Asti. It is the primary grape of the Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) wine of Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato as well as the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) wines of Cortese di Gavi (or simply Gavi) and Gavi di Gavi, where vineyards are exclusively located within the commune of Gavi. Cortese has a long history in Italian viticulture with written documentation naming the grape among the plantings in a Piedmontese vineyard as early as 1659. . The grape’s moderate acidity and light flavors mainly of citrus made it suitable as an aperitif or with the seafood.

Tasting notes

Straw-yellow colour with greenish traces. Fresh, fruity refined and highly elegant bouquet. Dry and light taste, pleasingly fresh and harmonious. A reasonably longlasting white wine. Best served at a temperature of 8-10°C.

Food pairing

Excellent as an aperitif, it matches very well with any kind of fish, hot and cold hors-d’hoeuvres.