Cortese Bianco, made primarily from the Cortese grape, stands as one of Italy’s most underappreciated white wine treasures—a grape that delivers stunning elegance and versatility without the marketing fanfare of its popular cousins.
Predominantly grown in the southeastern regions of Piedmont, this comprehensive wine profile unveils everything you need to know about this remarkable Piedmontese gem, from its storied heritage to selecting the perfect bottle for your next dinner party.
Cortese Bianco is a native Italian white grape variety predominantly cultivated in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, particularly in the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, and Cuneo. The grape serves as the exclusive variety for the renowned Cortese di Gavi (or simply Gavi) wines, which achieved DOC status in 1974 and were elevated to the prestigious DOCG classification in 1998.
With a documented history dating back to 1659, Cortese has deep roots in Italian viticulture, with written documentation naming the grape among the plantings in a Piedmontese vineyard as early as that year. The Cortese grape is carefully fermented to produce Cortese Bianco wine, reflecting the meticulous winemaking traditions of the region. Its name, which appropriately translates to “courteous” in Italian, perfectly reflects its gentle, refined characteristics. The modern style of Cortese wine production we enjoy today originated in 1876, establishing a tradition that has endured for nearly 150 years.
When wines labeled “Cortese di Gavi” are produced from vineyards specifically within the commune of Gavi itself, they earn the distinctive designation “Gavi di Gavi”—representing the purest expression of the terroir. This wine flies under the radar compared to Italy’s more famous exports, but that’s precisely what makes it such a compelling discovery for wine enthusiasts seeking quality without the premium pricing that often comes with recognition.
Cortese’s journey from vineyard to bottle is a testament to both tradition and innovation in Italian winemaking. While the process varies between producers, several key approaches define how this grape transforms into the delicate, refreshing wine in your glass.
The majority of quality Cortese wines undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks—a deliberate choice that preserves the grape’s natural freshness, vibrant acidity, and delicate fruit character. This method ensures that what you taste is the pure expression of the grape and its terroir, unmasked by heavy-handed techniques. Some Cortese wines are aged on the lees to enhance complexity and texture. The art of winemaking involves overseeing a natural process during various stages, ensuring that the grape’s inherent qualities are fully realized in the final product.
Typical fermentation lasts 7-8 days, maintaining temperature control between 17-19°C to preserve aromatic compounds. While most producers follow this straightforward approach, some experimental winemakers mature Cortese in oak barrels to develop more textured, complex expressions capable of aging longer. Additionally, the fermentation process for some wines involves skin contact, a technique often associated with traditional methods, which can add depth and complexity to the wine. Fermented on the skins, this process is also a hallmark of traditional Sicilian wine production, showcasing the diversity of winemaking techniques across regions.
The versatility of Cortese extends beyond still wines. The Gavi DOCG regulations permit production in five distinct styles: still (the most common), frizzante (gently sparkling), spumante (fully sparkling), riserva, and riserva spumante metodo classico. Each style showcases different facets of the grape’s personality while maintaining its core characteristics.
For those seeking authentic, minimalist production, biodynamic producers like Cascina degli Ulivi create natural Cortese wines with no additives, selected yeasts, or enological interventions—allowing the grape to express itself with absolute purity. Cascina degli Ulivi uses only grapes from its vineyards farmed with biodynamic methods, ensuring a deep connection to the land and sustainable practices.
Cortese Bianco delivers a sensory experience that epitomizes elegant restraint—a wine that whispers rather than shouts. Let's break down what makes this wine distinctive to your senses:
In the glass, Cortese presents a pale straw yellow color with distinctive greenish reflections that hint at its youthful freshness. Its brilliant clarity makes it visually appealing, especially when properly chilled.
The bouquet is delicate yet multifaceted, offering:
On the palate, Cortese reveals its true character:
This sensory profile makes Cortese a wine of finesse rather than power—the antithesis of today's sometimes overblown, high-octane wine styles. It rewards those who appreciate subtlety and balance over intensity and concentration.
Cortese Bianco's vibrant acidity and elegant profile make it an exceptionally versatile pairing partner. While some wines demand center stage, Cortese excels as a complementary player that elevates rather than competes with food flavors.
The gastronomic versatility of Cortese makes it that rare bottle that can carry you through an entire meal—from appetizers to main courses—without missing a beat.
Cortese thrives in specific terroirs that highlight its best qualities, with its spiritual home firmly established in Piedmont's southeastern corner.
The DOCG regulations restrict Cortese di Gavi production to eleven specific communes in the Province of Alessandria: Bosio, Capriata d'Orba, Carrosio, Francavilla Bisio, Gavi, Novi Ligure, Parodi Ligure, Pasturana, San Cristoforo, Serravalle Scrivia, and Tassarolo. This tightly defined geographic area ensures that the wine maintains its distinctive regional character.
Cortese is a medium to late ripening variety that performs best in:
While Cortese can grow in warmer areas, it tends to lose some of its characteristic acidity and freshness in excessive heat. The ideal climate allows for slow, even ripening that develops flavor complexity while maintaining the grape's natural acidity—a balance that the approved Gavi production zone achieves naturally.
The best Cortese vineyards typically feature:
The total area planted with Cortese in the Gavi DOCG region spans approximately 1,666 hectares (4,120 acres), producing an average of 106,740 hectoliters of wine annually. This relatively modest production helps maintain quality while explaining why the wine isn't as internationally ubiquitous as other Italian whites. The Consorzio di Tutela Gavi di Gavi, created in 1993, plays a crucial role in protecting the quality and reputation of these wines.
To experience Cortese Bianco at its peak, proper serving and storage conditions are essential. Unlike some whites that require years to develop, Cortese rewards prompt enjoyment.
While most Cortese wines are crafted for immediate enjoyment, capturing their youthful vibrancy and freshness, exceptional examples—particularly those with some oak influence or from outstanding vintages—can evolve subtly over 3-5 years while maintaining their fundamental crisp character.
Cortese Bianco occupies a distinctive niche in the white wine landscape, sharing characteristics with several better-known varieties while maintaining its unique identity.
Cortese typically displays more pronounced bitter almond notes on the finish than its peers
More focused minerality than many comparable Italian whites
Lower alcohol content than many modern white wines, typically 11.5-12.5%
Greater aging potential than Pinot Grigio while maintaining better freshness than Vermentino
It’s worth noting that the name “Cortese” can cause some consumer confusion, as it refers to both the grape variety from Piedmont and a winery in Sicily (Agricola Cortese). The Sicilian Cortese produces wines like “Vanedda Bianco Organico” using entirely different grape varieties (Catarratto and Grillo), which should not be confused with Cortese Bianco from Piedmont. Cataratto and Grillo are classic Sicilian grape varieties used in wine production. Grapes for Sicilian wines are often hand-harvested into small baskets, a practice that ensures careful handling and preserves the quality of the fruit. In Sicilian wine production, grapes are often refrigerated before fermentation to preserve their freshness and enhance the final wine’s quality.
The world of Cortese production is increasingly embracing sustainable practices, reflecting broader trends in the wine industry toward environmental responsibility. In Sicily, there is a strong emphasis on traditional winemaking techniques, which often align with sustainable and low-intervention practices, further enhancing the region's reputation for producing high-quality wines.
The shift toward sustainability in Cortese production offers consumers both environmental benefits and potential quality improvements. Wines from lower-intervention vineyards often express terroir more vividly, while sustainable practices help ensure the longevity of Cortese production for future generations.
When seeking sustainable Cortese options, look for certifications like organic and biodynamic on labels, or research producers committed to environmental stewardship like La Chiara and Cascina degli Ulivi.
Cortese Bianco represents something increasingly rare in today's wine world—an authentic, place-specific wine that prioritizes subtlety and food-friendliness over power and showiness. In an era where "bigger is better" often drives consumer preferences, Cortese stands as a refreshing counterpoint, delivering finesse, elegance, and versatility.
The wine's relatively modest international profile compared to its quality level makes it an insider's choice—a wine that offers exceptional value precisely because it hasn't yet captured the spotlight on the world stage. This creates an opportunity for savvy wine enthusiasts to enjoy premium quality at accessible price points.
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in wine production, Cortese's growing number of organic and biodynamic producers positions it well for the future. These eco-conscious approaches not only benefit the environment but often result in more distinctive, terroir-driven expressions that capture the essence of Piedmont's unique landscape. Sicily, often considered an underrated region for quality wine production, also exemplifies this trend, showcasing its potential through innovative and sustainable practices.
Whether you're seeking the perfect accompaniment to seafood, a refreshing aperitif, or simply a break from more commonplace white wines, Cortese Bianco deserves serious consideration. Its combination of history, place, versatility, and value makes it not just a wine to try, but a wine to know—an authentic expression of Italian winemaking at its most elegant and honest.
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