Cortese
White wine grape variety
Cortese — white wine grape variety with signature aromas of lemon, green apple, almond. Structural profile: Medium(−) body, High acidity, Medium alcohol. Sensium blind-tasting coach reference.
Structural pillars
AcidityHigh
BodyMedium(−)
AlcoholMedium
Color intensityPale
Aromatic intensityMedium
Recognition cues
First checks
- Look for high acidity with citrus and orchard fruit in a clean, dry frame.
- Check for almond-toned finish and stony texture before defaulting to Chardonnay.
Confidence signals
- Lemon-apple core with almond finish
- High acidity with light-to-medium structure
Aromas
Signature
lemongreen applealmond
Common
grapefruitwhite flowerswet stone
Occasional
marzipan
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Gavi · Piedmont · Alessandria
- Classic styles: Crisp mineral Gavi white · Dry almond-finish Piedmont white
- Style examples: Gavi del Comune di Gavi · Gavi DOCG
Common questions
- Is Cortese a red or white grape variety?
- Cortese is a white wine grape variety. Sensium documents its structure, aromas, and confusion signals for blind tasting.
- What does Cortese smell and taste like?
- Signature aromas of Cortese include lemon, green apple and almond. Structural profile: Medium(−) body, High acidity, Medium alcohol.
- What is Cortese most often confused with in blind tasting?
- Cortese is most commonly confused with Trebbiano Toscano, Garganega and Pinot Blanc. Sensium's Compare view leads with the decisive cues that resolve each call.
- Where is Cortese grown?
- Classic regions for Cortese include Gavi, Piedmont and Alessandria.