The Wine Reference🍷 SupportCortese grape
Cortese is a white grape known for lemon, apple, mineral. Its best-known homes are Gavi, Piedmont.
Origin and history
A native of south-east Piedmont, documented there since the 17th century and long grown around the town of Gavi in the province of Alessandria.
Where it grows
Gavi DOCG in Piedmont, plus Colli Tortonesi, Monferrato, Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy and Bianco di Custoza in the Veneto.
Structure
Light to medium body, crisp high acidity and modest alcohol; dry, lean and refreshing, usually unoaked.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: lemon, green apple, white flowers, almond and a flinty, mineral edge. With age: honey, hazelnut and lightly waxy notes.
Ageing
Best within 1–4 years; the finest Gavi can hold for 6–10 years.
Also known as
Bianca Fernanda (around Lake Garda).
Good to know
'Gavi di Gavi' (or Gavi del Comune di Gavi) on a label means the grapes came from the commune of Gavi itself; Gavi became a DOCG in 1998.
Cortese wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
La Scolca Gavi dei Gavi Etichetta Nera
Classic Gavi: citrus, almond and crisp minerality.
Food: Fish, vitello tonnato
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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