Cortese

Cortese is light and crisp with delicate floral aromatics, featuring fresh flavors of apple, pear, and lemon with lovely blossom notes. It's a refreshing white wine that's best enjoyed young to capture its vibrant fruit character.

Cortese thrives in Piemonte, Italy, particularly in the Gavi region where it produces the renowned Gavi (or Cortese di Gavi) wines. The grape performs best in moderate climates that preserve its delicate aromatics and crisp acidity.

Cortese's light, crisp profile makes it excellent with seafood, shellfish, and light pasta dishes. Its delicate floral character also pairs beautifully with fresh cheeses, salads, and herb-driven preparations.

Cortese is best drunk young to enjoy its fresh fruit and floral character. With age, it develops honey and almond notes, though it loses some of its signature crispness and delicate aromatics.

Cortese shares similarities with other light, crisp Italian whites like Vermentino and Arneis in terms of its fresh, floral profile. It's also comparable to Muscadet or Albariño for its mineral-driven, seafood-friendly character.