This week the focus is on Cortese.

Wine enthusiasts are often intrigued not only with the enjoyment of a well-made wine but are interested in knowing more about the makeup of a wine. To help people along the way, we will be writing short notes about wine grape varieties. We are starting off with the grape Cortese.

Grape Variety: Cortese

Species: Vitis vinifera

Cortese Wine Styles: still white and rosé wines, sparkling wines

History: One source notes that Cortese was inventoried in 1614 at a castle cellar. Other sources date Cortese back to the mid 1600s; 1659 (in a document)

Where it grows: Italy’s Piedmont

Synonyms: Fernanda Bianca, Raverusto, Cortese deli’ Pastigliano

Food Pairing Suggestions: Consider pairing a glass of Cortese with antipasti, salads, shellfish, fish or white meat.

-or use as an aperitif

Cheers,
Kathy