Cortese wine hails from Northern Italy, particularly the provinces of Asti and Alessandria, on the hills between Ovada, Acqui Terme and Nizza Monferrato. It has a dry, light flavor, and, if you like bubbles, you'll be happy to know there's a sparkling version as well.

The wine contains 85% to 100% grapes of the cortese variety and has a minimum alcohol content of 10%. The first documentation of this medium-bodied white wine dates back to the 17th century, so there's proof that Italian farmers have been harvesting cortese grapes for centuries. Since then, cortese has become one of the most appreciated wines from the Piedmont region, and some experts consider it the first Italian white wine to gain international popularity.

Cortese white wine has a high acidity with notes of ripe fruits, flowers, citrus, moss and minerals. Its pleasantly bitter base makes it ideal as an aperitif. Also, the low-tannin content makes it easy to drink.

The fruity white wine typically comes in a light straw yellow hue, with hints of green.

Like many other white wines, cortese gives its best with light fare, such as vegetable risotto, rice salads, chicken salads and fresh cheeses. If you fancy Italian foods, try it with pesto or cappelletti. Alternatively, you can serve it with seafood and white meats.

Want to try cortese or other Italian wines? Browse these links to search Drizly in your city or browse liquor stores near you.