Vini Bianchi: the White Wines (continued)
Cortese Alto Monferrato – One of the most important of the dry white wines produced in this area. Even though the Cortese grape has been around since the 18th century, this wine does not enjoy the same reputation as the reds and the Moscatos. It is however an easy drinking wine that is delicious with the right food. The grape is only grown in very hilly areas with appropriate slopes and exposures. It is bright straw yellow in colour, sometimes edging towards green. It comes in dry still, dry frizante, and dry sparkling varieties. Normally it has an aromatic slightly acidic bite. Cortese Alto Moferrato is drunk quite young, after 1–2 years of aging standing. It pairs well with hors d’oeuvres, light fish, pasta, risotto, vegetable dishes and bruschetta. Recommended tasting temperature is 8–10 degrees centigrade.
