Cortese is a crisp, crowd pleasing grape variety best known for bringing a fresh, light style to white wine. You’ll most often find it in the Italian region of Piedmont, where it’s celebrated for producing wines with bright acidity and an inviting, clean finish. If you’re looking for something that feels lively on the palate without being heavy, Cortese is a fantastic starting point.

In the glass, Cortese wines typically show gentle aromas of orchard fruit, citrus zest and sometimes subtle floral notes. On the palate, expect flavours that lean towards green apple, pear and lemon, often with a mineral edge that makes the wines particularly refreshing. Depending on how the producer styles it, you may also notice a touch of nuttiness or a slightly fuller texture, but the overall character remains fresh and approachable.

This grape is especially well suited to food pairings. Its natural acidity makes it a smart match for seafood, light pasta dishes, salads, and creamy cheeses where you want the wine to cut through gently rather than overwhelm.

Explore the range of Cortese and you’ll discover how this versatile grape can be both everyday friendly and wonderfully food focused.