Pronunciation: [kˈɔːtiːz] (IPA) 
The word "cortese" is spelled with seven letters and pronounced as /kɔrˈteɪz/. The first syllable "cor" is pronounced with a short "o" sound and the "r" is pronounced with a slight roll in some dialects. The second syllable "te" is pronounced with a short "e" sound and the final syllable "se" is pronounced with a soft "s" sound. "Cortese" is a type of Italian white wine and is often used to describe the grape variety used to produce it.
Cortese is a white wine grape variety primarily grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is known for producing crisp, light-bodied wines with high acidity and delicate flavors. The name "cortese" is derived from the Italian word "cortese," meaning courteous or polite, which is a fitting descriptor for the wine's elegant and refined character.
In appearance, cortese wines typically display a pale straw or lemon-yellow color. On the nose, they offer delicate aromas of green apple, pear, and citrus fruits along with floral notes and hints of almond. On the palate, cortese wines are refreshing and lively, with a distinctive crisp acidity that brings a tangy zestiness to the flavors. Lemon, green apple, and white peach are commonly found in the flavor profile, sometimes accompanied by subtle herbal undertones. The finish is often clean and zesty, leaving behind a pleasant sensation of freshness.
Cortese wines are commonly enjoyed young, as their vibrant acidity and lively fruit flavors make them an excellent choice for aperitifs or summer sipping. They also pair well with light seafood dishes, salads, and dishes featuring fresh herbs. Cortese is most notably used to produce Gavi, a renowned white wine from the Gavi DOCG appellation in the Piedmont region, which has become increasingly popular worldwide for its crisp and stylish character.
The word "cortese" has multiple origins and meanings in different languages.
In Italian, "cortese" is an adjective that translates to "courteous" or "polite". Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "cortēsis", which means "courtesy" or "courteous behavior". The Latin term is derived from the noun "cōrs", meaning "court" in the context of a royal or noble court.
In the wine industry, "Cortese" refers to a white grape variety primarily grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. The origin of the name is specific to the grape and is not directly related to the term "cortese" meaning courteous. The etymology of the grape name is uncertain and does not seem to have connections to any particular language or word.
