L'Alto Monferrato is a system of rolling hills ranging between 200 and 400 metres in elevation, with a warm-temperate climate of approximately 1,700 degree-days and reasonably good ventilation, especially in spring and late summer.
The soils of the zone are predominantly calcareous-clay and calcareous-marl in composition.
The Cortese dell'Alto Monferrato area occupies the westernmost zone of diffusion of the variety, bordering to the east with the Gavi district and to the west with the Langhe.
Human factors
The earliest known written record mentioning the Cortese variety is a letter from the estate manager of the castle of Montaldeo to the Marchese Doria, dated 1659.
The variety is described as indigenous, rustic, and vigorous, long cultivated in the zone, according to Demaria and Leardi in 1869.
Product characteristics
Cortese dell'Alto Monferrato is traditionally a dry, fresh, and light white wine, though it sometimes also displays greater structure.
In addition to the still version, Cortese dell'Alto Monferrato is also produced in frizzante and spumante styles.
Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.
About this boundary
Area: the official production zone published by the regional geoportal (Piemonte).
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