Cortese
Also known as: Cortese Bianco, Corteis
Cortese
Quick Facts
- Berry Color: Green-yellow
- Skin Thickness: Medium
- Ripening: Mid-season
- Vigor: Moderate
- Yield: Moderate to high
- Character: Crisp, mineral, citrus
- Famous For: Gavi DOCG wines
Overview
Cortese is Piedmont’s principal white grape variety, best known for producing Gavi (Cortese di Gavi DOCG), one of Italy’s most refreshing white wines. Native to the hills of southeastern Piedmont near the Ligurian border, Cortese produces crisp, mineral wines with citrus and almond character that pair beautifully with the region’s seafood-influenced cuisine. While often simple and fresh, quality Gavi from top producers demonstrates the variety’s capacity for complexity and aging. For enologists, Cortese represents study in producing clean, fresh white wines from a neutral variety.
Etymology and History
Name Origin
Cortese: Possibly from Italian “cortese” (courteous)
Interpretation: Refers to wine’s pleasant, agreeable character
Historical Development
- Ancient Piedmont cultivation
- Traditional Gavi area variety
- DOC recognition 1974
- DOCG elevation 1998 (Gavi)
- Modern quality focus
Gavi Identity
Synonymous: Cortese = Gavi in consumer minds
Region: Gavi commune; southeast Piedmont
Character: Defines variety’s expression
Viticulture
Vine Characteristics
Growth Habit: Moderate vigor
Leaf Shape: Medium; three to five lobes
Cluster: Medium; loose to compact
Berry: Medium; round; green-yellow
Growing Requirements
Climate: Continental with Ligurian influence
Soil Preference: Clay-limestone; marl
Altitude: 250-450 meters typical
Training: Guyot common
Phenological Stages
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bud break | Mid-April |
| Flowering | Early June |
| Véraison | Early August |
| Harvest | Mid-late September |
Wine Profile
Appearance
- Color: Pale straw with green tints
- Intensity: Light
- Evolution: Best young; quality versions age
Aromatic Profile
Primary Aromas:
- Citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit)
- Green apple
- White flowers
- Almond
- Mineral
Character: Fresh; clean; understated
Palate Characteristics
Structure:
- Light to medium body
- Good acidity
- Mineral finish
- Clean, refreshing
Texture: Crisp; clean; lean
Finish: Medium; citrus and almond
Regional Expression
Gavi DOCG (Cortese di Gavi)
Status: Premier designation
Requirements: 100% Cortese
Character: Benchmark expression
Quality: Variable to excellent
Subzones/Villages
Gavi Comune: Classic; benchmark
Various Villages: Site variation
Other Piedmont DOCs
Colli Tortonesi: Cortese component
Style: Similar; less prestigious
Winemaking Considerations
Fermentation
Temperature: Cool (14-16°C)
Duration: Standard
Vessel: Stainless steel dominant
Goal: Preserve freshness; crispness
Style Decisions
Fresh: No MLF; stainless; early release
Complex: Partial MLF; oak; aging
Oak Usage
Standard: No oak (fresh style)
Premium: Some barrel fermentation/aging
Effect: Adds texture; complexity
Aging
Fresh Style: 1-3 years
Premium/Oak: 3-7 years
Food Pairing
Traditional Matches
Regional Cuisine:
- Seafood (Ligurian influence)
- Light pasta
- Fritto misto
- Pesto
Character: Food-friendly; versatile
Temperature
Serving: Well-chilled (8-10°C)
Key Producers
Quality Leaders
La Scolca: Historic benchmark
Villa Sparina: Quality range
Pio Cesare: Consistent quality
La Giustiniana: Estate excellence
Volume Producers
Various: Significant production
Market Position
Production Statistics
Gavi DOCG: ~1,500 hectares
Trend: Stable; quality focus
Pricing
| Level | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Entry | €8-14 |
| Quality | €14-22 |
| Premium | €20-35 |
Market Position
Strength: Recognizable; food-friendly
Competition: Other Italian whites
Comparison with Piedmont Whites
| Variety | Character | Body | Aging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortese | Citrus, mineral | Light-medium | Short |
| Arneis | Floral, almond | Light-medium | Short |
| Timorasso | Complex | Medium-full | Long |
The Gavi Question
Quality Debate
Issue: Variable quality; some simple wines
Best: Genuinely complex; age-worthy
Challenge: Price-quality consistency
Quality Markers
Good Gavi: Mineral; complex; structured
Simple Gavi: Clean; one-dimensional
Conclusion
Cortese, primarily expressed through Gavi DOCG, represents Piedmont’s white wine tradition—a variety capable of producing refreshing, mineral wines that complement the region’s cuisine beautifully. For enologists, Cortese demonstrates the importance of careful winemaking in expressing a relatively neutral variety’s potential. While much Gavi remains simple and fresh, quality-focused producers show the grape’s capacity for complexity and aging. As interest in Italian white wines grows, quality Gavi deserves recognition alongside other Piedmont treasures.
References
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- Bastianich, J. & Lynch, D. (2005). “Vino Italiano.” Clarkson Potter. Publisher Link
- VIVC Database. Variety Information.
Last updated: January 13, 2026