Cortese

Cortese is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It is most well-known for being the grape used to produce Gavi.

As of 2010 there were 2,953 hectares planted in Italy found in one DOCG (the aforementioned Gavi) and 7 DOCs, mostly in Piedmont, Veneto, and Lombardy, but more than half of the plantings are in Gavi itself.

Cortese grapes have thick skins and are known for their high acidity, which helps to produce wines with a crisp, refreshing character. Its wines typically have aromas of citrus, mostly grapefruit, often with spicy hints.

In addition to Italy, Cortese grapes are also grown in small quantities in other parts of the world, including Argentina, California, and Australia.