Cortese

Cortese: freshness and elegance from Piedmont

Cortese is one of Piedmont's historically important white grape varieties and is particularly widespread in the south-eastern part of the region. It produces fresh, delicate and balanced wines appreciated for their lively acidity and fine, understated aromatic profile.

In this category you will find a selection of Cortese wines from different producers, territories and vintages, ranging from young and approachable interpretations to more structured and complex expressions.

Green apple, citrus fruit, white flowers and herbs are among the grape's most characteristic aromas, often accompanied by a mineral and savoury quality that contributes to its particular versatility with food.

Characteristics of Cortese

Cortese generally produces pale straw-coloured wines with a delicate aromatic profile in which notes of apple, pear, citrus fruit, white flowers and herbs can emerge.

On the palate, freshness is one of its most recognisable characteristics, often accompanied by good savouriness, balanced structure and a dry, pleasantly persistent finish.

Terroir, soil characteristics and winemaking techniques nevertheless allow the grape to express different styles, ranging from light and approachable wines to expressions with greater structure and depth.

Cortese and Piedmont

Piedmont is the principal territory associated with Cortese. The grape is particularly linked to the hills in the south-eastern part of the region, between the provinces of Alessandria and Asti.

In these areas the variety finds favourable conditions for retaining its natural acidity and producing wines characterised by freshness, aromatic finesse and a recognisable mineral quality.

Cortese is therefore one of the historic expressions of Piedmontese white wine production, alongside other important indigenous varieties from the region.

Cortese and Gavi

Cortese is most famously associated with Gavi , a Piedmont appellation produced in the province of Alessandria and based on the Cortese grape.

Cortese therefore refers to the grape variety, while Gavi identifies a specific geographical appellation in which the grape finds one of its best-known expressions.

Gavi wines are appreciated for their freshness, elegance and savoury character and represent one of the principal references for understanding the personality and potential of Cortese.

The different expressions of Cortese

Although closely associated with Gavi, Cortese is also cultivated and vinified in other areas of Piedmont, producing interpretations with different characteristics.

Younger versions generally emphasise freshness, fragrance and immediate appeal, while more elaborate winemaking and ageing techniques can provide greater structure and complexity.

The grape's natural acidity is fundamental to its balance and can allow the finest interpretations to develop interesting characteristics with age.

Cortese styles and winemaking

Cortese is frequently fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve freshness, aromatic precision and varietal character.

Some producers choose longer lees ageing or different winemaking techniques to obtain wines with greater volume, structure and complexity.

The resulting styles can therefore range from light and approachable whites to deeper interpretations, generally maintaining freshness and savouriness as distinctive characteristics.

Food pairings with Cortese

Cortese's freshness makes it particularly versatile at the table. It pairs well with appetisers, fish, shellfish, seafood, vegetables, risotto and delicate pasta dishes.

Younger versions are also excellent as an aperitif, while more structured expressions can accompany more elaborate fish dishes and fresh or medium-aged cheeses.

Il Quadrifoglio Wine selection

Our selection includes Cortese wines from different producers, territories and vintages, with bottles chosen to showcase the various interpretations of this historic Piedmontese white grape variety.

Our aim is to offer a choice suitable both for those looking for a fresh, elegant and versatile white wine and for enthusiasts interested in comparing different territories, producers and styles.

Frequently asked questions about Cortese

What kind of wine is Cortese?

Cortese generally produces fresh, dry and elegant white wines characterised by fruit, citrus and white flower aromas, often accompanied by a pleasant savoury and mineral quality.

Where is Cortese produced?

Cortese is grown primarily in Piedmont and particularly in the south-eastern part of the region, where it is closely associated with the province of Alessandria.

What is the difference between Cortese and Gavi?

Cortese is the grape variety, while Gavi is a Piedmont appellation produced from Cortese grapes within a specific territory in the province of Alessandria.

What food pairs well with Cortese?

Cortese pairs well with appetisers, fish, shellfish, seafood, vegetables, risotto and delicate pasta dishes. Fresher versions are also excellent as an aperitif.