Cortese & Gavi Collection

The Crisp Noble White of Northern Italy

Renowned for its crisp acidity, lean minerality, and vibrant citrus profile, Cortese is the undisputed flagship white grape variety of Piedmont in northwestern Italy. Documented in the hills of southeast Piedmont since at least the 17th century, Cortese has long held a exalted position among Italian white wines, favored historically by the noble court of Savoy and aristocratic Ligurian merchants seeking the ultimate pairing for fresh Mediterranean seafood.

While Piedmont is globally celebrated for its powerful red Nebbiolo and Barbera wines, Cortese thrives in the gently rolling, sun-drenched hills of the Alessandria province. Here, maritime breezes from the Ligurian Sea meet cold alpine air currents, creating a pronounced diurnal temperature shift that preserves the variety’s delicate floral aromas and racily high natural acidity.

Appellations & Terroir Expressions

• Gavi DOCG (Cortese di Gavi): The global benchmark for the variety. Located around the historic town of Gavi, this high-ranking DOCG produces 100% Cortese wines celebrated for their electric acidity, flinty minerality, and crisp palate.

• Gavi di Gavi: A prestigious sub-designation reserved exclusively for wines crafted from grapes grown within the municipal boundaries of the town of Gavi itself, representing the historical, limestone-rich heart of the zone.

• Monferrato Cortese & Cortese dell'Alto Monferrato DOC: Surrounding regional appellations offering lighter, highly vibrant, and everyday food-friendly expressions.

• Colli Tortonesi: Located further east toward Lombardy, producing textured Cortese expressions alongside the indigenous Timorasso.

Flavor Profile & Winemaking Styles

• Aromatic Profile: Bright notes of green apple, Meyer lemon, white peach, green almond, lime blossom, and crushed wet stone minerality.

• Palate & Texture: Medium-bodied to bone-dry with high, refreshing acidity. Winemakers predominantly utilize stainless steel tank fermentation to protect pristine fruit character, though premium producers often utilize extended lees contact (sur lie) or neutral cask aging to build creamy weight, textural mouthfeel, and longevity.

• Sparkling Expressions (Spumante & Frizzante): Cortese’s high natural acidity makes it an exceptional base for delicate sparkling wines, crafted