Cortese is an Italian wine grape variety used to create white wines. Earliest records of Cortese date to 1659 in Montaldeo and note that all vineyards were planted with the Cortese or Vermentino variety. Cortese was widely planted in the 1800s in Piedmont due to its ability to withstand disease and to produce high yields and good quality wine. Wines containing the Cortese variety are medium bodied wines with notes of lime and greengage. Some vines grown in cooler regions tend to produce very acidic flavors, but producers have found a way to mellow the tone of the wine with oak barrel fermentation. The taste of the Cortese white wine is said to be a signature Italian taste, with pleasing aromas and light flavor. The wines are typically higher priced due to the location of Piedmont, where the wines are produced. Growers, however, have planted Cortese in California, although the amount planted is quite small. Cortese is mostly linked with the Cortese di Gavi wine that is created in the area of Alessandria. The grape has a moderate level of acidity and a light flavor, and is paired well with seafood dishes. In restaurants in Genoa, the wine is paired with fresh seafood from the Lingurian coast. Cortese is also used to blend with the Bianco di Custoza.
This 100% Cortese white offers fruity aromas intertwined with hints of daisy and acacia flowers. Fresh and elegant on the palate with charming citrus notes.
Rinaldi Eramare Piemonte Cortese is 90% Cortese and 10% Sauvignon Blanc.
The Cortese grapes are coming from the Estate's vineyard located at the best exposures between Ricaldone and Maranzana at about 220 meters above sea level.
A salty and tasty white wine; fresh, simple and juicy.
After the alcoholic fermentation the wine refines on yeast for 4 months just to have a better color and taste.
A lot of minerality and notes of grapefruit.
Ideal for an aperitif, or with seafood appetizers, fish first courses, grilled fish, and vegetable pies.
The origin of Lot C-91 began in the fall of 1969 when Joe Heitz created this one-off cuvée, which was very normal in those days, as a more premium version of his already iconic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bottling. Joe envisioned Lot C-91 as a greater step up in quality from the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with a higher quality of fruit sourcing, coming exclusively from the sought-after single vineyards of Heitz Cellar.
Lot C-91 is the culmination of 50 years of tireless effort, trial and error, and the continual desire to make a unique expression of the heralded vineyards of Heitz Cellar.
Review:
Wow. Such a racy and exciting nose! This is quite agile and nimble, full of red and blue berries in the forefront, then complemented by spiced orange, earl grey, red plums, potpourri, savory plums and chocolate. Tense and elegant on the palate, which is all about succulent red berries, nuance and texture. Nothing redundant here. A great Napa cabernet sauvignon that has real definition. A beauty by all accounts!
-James Suckling 96 Points
In 1969, Heitz produced a one-off cuvée called Lot C-91. It was thought of as an elevated version of the Napa Valley Cabernet – a 'best of the best' blend from sites throughout Napa. After a bottle of the '69 turned up and turned heads at a Heitz wine dinner, the winemaking team decided to produce a modern iteration. It's comprised of vineyards in four AVAs: Rutherford (34%), Oakville (34%), Howell Mountain (17%) and St Helena (15%). The dazzling nose instantly shows off the component from Martha's Vineyard and on the palate it walks the line between succulent, powerful, herbal and floral, showing none of the heat of the 2017 vintage. As of June 2020, this was still a barrel sample, while many Napa 2017s are already on the market.
-Decanter 96 Points
Medium intensity ruby color.
Nose dominated by red fruits.
In the mouth, elegant structure with solid but well integrated tannins. Rich and fruity finish.
RS: 104 g/Liter
TA: 3.8 g/Liter
pH 3.73