Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato: a white between three territories

The production area includes 35 districts and 51 alessandrini. The consortium describes the presence of Cortese on the right of Tanaro and in the hill system that relates Ovada, Acqui and Nice. These are useful geographical references to build the journey: the territory is read by links and passages between one basin and another.

The page ofAcquese introduces the relationship between thermal cities and hills; that ofOvadese follow the villages towards the Apennines. The Leaning lands of Nice add the astigian side. The white crosses these environments without erasing the differences: in the visit the actual position of the vineyards remains central.

DOC recognition dates back to 1979. The name assigns to the Cortese its own identity in Alto Monferrato and makes legible a viticultural heritage that cohabits with Dolcetto, Barbera and aromatic grapes. The presence of more vines in the same landscape helps to understand how the hills are an articulated agricultural system.

Entering a winery in the area allows you to combine this white with other productions. A concrete comparison clarifies which vineyards are destined to the different grapes, as the moment of harvest changes and what objectives guide winemaking. The history of the denomination takes shape in the continuity of work, beyond the date of its recognition.

The base includes at least 85% of Cortese; they can contribute up to 15% other non-aromatic white grapes allowed. The name also includes the sparkling wine. The white firm profile rotates around the freshness, with a dry taste and a sapida component: elements that make it suitable for accompanying appetizers, risottos and delicate preparations.

Comparison with the Gavi DOCG is particularly challenging. The main vine coincides, while changing territory and rules: the Gavi requires Cortese pure. Tasting the two denominations helps to distinguish the identity of grape from origin and the choices of the producer, without automatically attributing the same character to all bottles.

From Acqui devotes time to the historic center before reaching a winery of the hills. The alternation between urban visit and agricultural landscape gives rhythm to the day: squares and buildings tell the city, rows and pools make production visible. You can continue towards the villages of Ovadese or choose a second day in Nice.

Mombaruzzo offers another point of the Astilian route. Comparing different countries invites you to observe where the houses are located compared to the vineyards and how much change the horizons along the road. In the cellar, a bottle of Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato completes the journey by bringing in the glass the name of the hills just crossed.

In the ovadese sector you can join the visit Rocca Grimalda, following the relationship between village in height and surrounding territory. The panorama of the village allows to reopen the geographical story encountered in the calyx. After a white wine, taste a red of the same area clarifies how the local agricultural system is plural: Cortese participates in the landscape along with other vines, and the visit returns to each one a recognizable space.