| Grape variety |
Cortese |
| Synonyms |
bianca fernanda, cortese bianco, cortese dell'astigiano, courtesa. |
| Grape colour |
White grape |
| Aromas |
Neutral |
| Vigour |
Good |
| Ripening |
Second fortnight in September. |
| Productivity |
Abundant and constant. |
| Areas of cultivation |
It is very popular in the province of Alessandria, in the tortonese, in the Monferrato and in the hilly areas of Novi Ligure and Gavi and, albeit only in the province of Verona. |
| History |
Very well-known in Piedmont since the 18th century, it was one of the most cultivated in the area, then reduced to extensions due to the phylloxera that in the nineteenth century risk of definitively compromising almost all European vineyards. Today's major extensions are found in the area of origin of Colli Tortonesi, in the province of Alessandria in the Lombard border area. After a period of oblivion caused by the phylloxera, Cortese was rediscovered and proposed by Mario Soldati in the early 1950s. But it is around Gavi that the vine has regained its identity with very important productions. |
| Ampelographic features |
Leaf: of magnitude more than average, pentagonal, quinquelobata; Closed petiole breast, with overlapping edges; Closed upper breasts, with overlapping edges; Lower breasts in lira, closed; Upper page glabra, dark green, with ribbed light green (sometimes with some rosey nuances at the perimeter point); Bottom page with very arachnoid tomato; Of light green color with ribs of the same color; Medium thick, somewhat wavy flap; Irregular teeth, convex on one side and concave on the other; Wide-base, well pronounced.
Bunch: more than average, rather spatulate; Conic-pyramidal, with one or two wings, length of about 20-25 cm; Peduncle well visible, semi-woody (up to the first branch); Mid-length pedicels, light green; Evident searches, green; Medium brush; Of light yellow-golden color.
Acino: medium or more than medium, slightly elliptical, with circular cross section; Peel of medium consistency, not very pruinose, of yellow-golden color from the sun, greenish-yellowish in the shadowy part; Persistent and prominent navel; Juicy flesh, simple, but characteristic, pleasant; Separation of the acorn from the easy pediment. |
| Characteristics of the wine obtained from this grape variety |
The wines obtained from the Cortese grape are generally harmonious and fine, characterized by a high level of elegance and balance. We can find both fresh and young wines, but also products subject to a prolonged refinement in wood or bottle, which emphasizes its character and compassion. Sparkling versions, both classic and Charmat, are appreciated for freshness, texture and harmony. |
| Notes |
Resistance to parasites and other adversities: normal for parasitic ones. It suffers relatively less than other vine varieties for hail and frost; But it loves sunny exposures. The grapes do not withstand much in the autumn rains. |