Italy is home to more than 2,000 native grapes of which about 400 are used to produced wine for commercial purposes. For example, in Piemonte in northwest Italy the indigenous white grape Cortese produces crisp wines in a variety of styles, full of bright acidity and delicate structure. The first mention of this grape goes back to the 1600’s and it is predominantly grown in the area of Gavi although minor plantings can be found outside of Piemonte in the regions of Lombardy and Veneto.
World renowned winery Castello Banfi uses Cortese to produce two styles of wines from estate owned single vineyards in Gavi. Their Principessa Gavia is a still wine full of aromas of honeydew melon and meyer lemon finished by refreshing salinity. Try Prinicipessa Gavia Perlante to enjoy these flavors with a slight natural effervescence that cleanses the palate and enhances the citric qualities of the wine.
For a traditional taste of Cortese, try La Scolca “White Label” from the area of Rovereto di Gavi. Known as the “Gran Cru of Gavi”, La Scolca follows century-old wine making techniques to give us a taste of Cortese in its full expression.
Try Cortese with delicate seared fish or a bright Greek salad and discover that Italian white wines are much more than Pinot Grigio!
See our entire selection of Cortese
Author: Maytte Rivera
