Italian Grapes
Cortese
Cortese is an Italian wine grape predominantly grown in the eastern regions of Piemonte.
It is the primary grape of the DOCG wine Cortese di Gavi, and in the DOC wines Cortese dell'Alto Monferrato and Colli Tortonesi.
About Gavi
Documents from the year 972, in the State Archive of Genova mention vineyards in Gavi.
In 1782, the Marquis Andrea Doria wrote about Gavi, and his intentions to ship the wine to America, and Gavi was the first Italian white wine to gain international repute.
The name derives from the production zone, commune di Gavi, and Cortese, the grape variety from which it is made.
The current style of production dates to 1876.
Cortese DOC(G)
DOC status in 1974 and DOCG in 1998:
Grape variety: 100% Cortese
Minimum Alcohol: 10.5%
Minimum Acidity: 5
Maximum Yield: 9,5 tons/ha
The DOCG allows for spumante and metodo classico styles, but most Gavi is produced as a still (fermo) white wine.
The DOCG restricts the production to 11 towns in the Province of Alessandria in Piemonte:
Bosio, Capriata d'Orba, Carrosio, Francavilla Bisio, Gavi, Novi Ligure, Parodi Ligure, Pasturana, San Cristoforo, Serravalle Scrivia, Tassarolo.
Cortese Flavors
Citrus and Peach flavors are commonly found in Gavi, with hints of Flowers, Herbs, and bitter Almonds.
 Lime |
 Mandarin |
 Apple |
 Peach |
 Flowers |
 Herbs |
 Seashell |
 Almonds |
Cortese Profile
| SUGAR: | Very Dry |
| BODY: | Light to Medium |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
| ALCOHOL: | 13% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Cortese Food Pairing
Gavi is very food friendly.
It is often served with fish and seafood, pasta, risotto, and vegetarian dishes.
 Antipasti |
 Olive Oil |
 Salads |
 Vegetables |
 Fish |
 Seafood |
 Pasta |
 Risotto |
Excellent Pairings
Olives. Olive Oil. Vinaigrette. Salad.
Fresh Herbs. Pesto. Basil. Spinach.
Grilled Vegetables. Soups.
Green Pasta. Mushroom Risotto.
Seafood Pasta or Risotto. Paella.
Sushi. Sashimi. Raw Fish. Tuna Tartare.
Piemonte Specialities
Chicken in White Wine Sauce.
Risotto Primavera (Asparagus, Peas, Zucchini).
Tajarin al Tartufo (Truffle Tagliatelle).
Rosemary Focaccia with Tomato Salad.
Ligurian Specialities
Grilled Fish with Lemon and Basil.
Fried Seafood. Shrimps. Calamari. Sardines.
Friulian Specialities
Asparagus With Prosciutto and Eggs. Friuli Speck. Prosciutto San Daniele.The Ideal Glass for Cortese
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The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass. It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas of zesty and fruity white wines. |
Cortese Cheese Pairing
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity. You can also add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Cortese.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Cortese.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Hard Cheeses
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
If You Like Cortese
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Wine Region Piemonte
Black Grapes |
White Grapes |
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Soil |
Climate |
Lime-Rich. |
Cool/Mild Continental. |
DOCG Regions in Piemonte
- Alta Langa (Metodo Classico)
- Asti Spumate (100% Moscato)
- Barbaresco (100 %Nebbiolo)
- Barbera d'Asti (Min. 90% Barbera)
- Barbera del Monferrato Superiore
- Barolo (100% Nebbiolo)
- Brachetto d'Acqui (100% Brachetto)
- Gavi (100% Cortese)
- Dogliani Superiore (100% Dolcetto)
- Ovada Superiore (100% Dolcetto)
- Diano d'Alba (100% Dolcetto)
- Erbaluce di Caluso
- Gattinara (Min 90% Nebbiolo)
- Ghemme (Min 85% Nebbiolo)
- Moscato d’Asti (100% Moscato)
- Nizza (100% Barbera)
- Roero (100% Arneis)
- Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato (90% Ruchè)
- Terre Alfieri (Arneis and Nebbiolo)