Cortese (Italy)

Custoza is a white wine from the Veneto region.

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

	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

The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass.

It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas of a zesty and fruity white wine.

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 (Feta): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Cortese.

Soft Cheeses

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Cortese.

Primo Sale: Similar to Brie but more flowerly, herby, and salty.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.

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

Region Veneto

The most famous white wines from the region are Soave and the sparkling Prosecco.

The most famous red wines are Amarone and Valpolicella from the Valpolicella Wine Region.

Black Grapes	White Grapes
11% Corvina 11% Merlot 4% Cab Sauvignon 3% Cabernet Franc 3% Rondinella 3% Molinara 1% Refosco	27% Glera 15% Garganega 11% Pinot Grigio 4% Chardonnay 1% Durello