SHOP
TERROIR
Soil, sun, climate – Sicily is and will always remain a garden capable of producing the very best fruits.
Oxford English Dictionary definition of resilience (resilienza): “the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape.” Ragusa’s soil has this unique property to adapt, renew, reinvigorate.
Each estate has its own distinct terroir, while sharing a common identity. The Sicilian landscape is a kaleidoscope of local characters and vines, which express themselves through the wines they produce.
BIODIVERSITY
Using “Selezione Massale”, vines are field-grafted onto rootstocks, all coming from the Cortese estate. This ensures that we use only the optimum clones for each specific vineyard.
Vineyards and vines are treated as individuals – there is no standardization. We do no chemical treatment of the soil – each strip of land is encouraged to grow and develop according to its own rhythms, expressing individuality and unique character.
To choose a natural rhythm requires careful attention, sensitivity and a constant presence in the vineyard.
ORGANIC CULTIVATION
Cortese is something more than organic. Organic certification is important, but Cortese goes further than that: with respect for the eco-system, use of natural fertilizers, and traditional methods, we are going back to the time when making wine organically was not a choice, but the only way.
Even adverse conditions contribute to maintaining the natural balance, allowing the vines to grow strong and healthy, building natural defences, with absolutely no need for chemical interventions of any kind.
Vines are only one small part of the whole – a cog in the wheel of the eco-system, of which every living thing is a part: from the ant to the falcon, the rabbit to the fox, from oranges to olives to almonds. Each vineyard has a part to play, expressing its own individuality through the fruit it produces.
CONSCIENCE, RESPECT, KNOW-HOW
It’s important to have confidence in nature, but to balance this by investing time in scientific research. It is vital to understand, decode and protect the important interactions within the vineyard.
Wait, don’t force. We observe nature carefully in order to allow the personality of each single vineyard to evolve.
INSPIRED BY TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES
Once the grapes have been harvested and carefully selected, the moment comes for us to put our signature on the wine.
Taking inspiration from our forebears, who were on the same land thousands of years before us, we find traditional wine-making methods the best, such as fermentation in terracotta (inherited from the ancient Greeks).
The resulting wines reflect the combination of modern technology and traditional techniques, with every nuance
of the terroir showing through.
Terroir and respect for biodiversity, exclusively organic cultivation and scientific know-how, the meeting of traditional techniques and contemporary technology. A PHILOSOPHY, A NEW WAY OF BRINGING WINE TO LIFE.
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For Nostru, our inspiration is the vibrant Sicilian landscape, rich and bold in colour, abundant and generous in all it produces.
READ MOREAbout us
While Stefano and Marina Girelli are from Trento in the extreme north of Italy, it is the island of Sicily in the country’s deep south that has captured their heart. Stefano realised many years ago that Sicily was generally underrated as quality wine producing region and that the potential for making premium wines was tremendous. Crucially, he also recognised that conditions for producing organic, low-intervention wines are perfect on the Sicilian island.
READ MORENews
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News
JAMES SUCKLING SCORES
The famous American wine critic James Suckling has published the tasting reviews on the website www.jamessuckling.com where our Cortese excellences are also mentioned.
We are proud to share the scores assigned to our wines with you:
CORTESE VANEDDA BIANCO TERRE SICILIANE IGP BIO 2020 – 92 pts.
Intense aromas of lemon rind and sliced green apple. Some spices, too. Full-bodied and tangy with intense, citrusy acidity and a lemony aftertaste. Energetic white. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
CORTESE SABUCI CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA CLASSICO DOCG BIO 2019 - 92 pts.
Blackberries on the nose with some asphalt and violet character. Medium-bodied with a firm texture and a solid center-palate, yet it remains agile at the end. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
CORTESE NOSTRU CATARRATTO LUCIDO TERRE SICILIANE IGP BIO 2021 - 91 pts.
Aromas of mango and gunpowder with some flint. Medium body. Tight and creamy texture with plenty of stone and metal shavings, as well as spicy pear. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
CORTESE NOSTRU CARRICANTE TERRE SICILIANE IGP BIO 2021 - 91 points
A fresh nose of lemon cream, lily and white peach. Medium-to full bodied with a silky texture. Bright acidity lifts up the citrus and stone fruited palate with a pleasantly soft finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.
CORTESE NOSTRU NERELLO MASCALESE TERRE SICILIANE IGP BIO 2020 - 90 pts.
Violets, geraniums, red cherries, cranberries and orange zest on the nose. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and sleek tannins. Very fresh. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.
Top Decanter score for Boscopiano!
Another great achievement for our Cortese Boscopiano Frappato Terre Siciliane 2019! World-famous wine magazine, Decanter has given it 92 points!
”This amphora-aged Frappato is made from a single one-hectare vineyard planted in 2005. After fermentation and malo in small 700L oval amphorae, the wine is topped up to submerge the cap and it’s left on its skins for 12 months. It spends a further six months in bottle. A deliciously seductive aroma – not of sweet, jammy strawberry, but of spicy wild strawberry with earthy nuance – is followed by an intensely fresh and light on its feet palate. There’s definitely some terracotta influence in terms of flavour and terms of softness; the wine is feather light yet had good concentration, balanced by that razor-edged acidity. Spices follow on the finish with some wild herbs and a touch of white pepper and dark chocolate. Lip-smacking and long. 1900 bottles produced.”
James Suckling has given Boscopiano an excellent score!
We are really proud to announce another wonderful award from the famous wine critic James Suckling who has given our Cortese Boscopiano Frappato Terre Siciliane 2019 an amazing 93 points!
”Lovely, spicy red with sour cherries, black pepper and cloves, as well as cedar. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture. Spicy at the end. Aged in amphorae for a year. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.”
VINITALY 2023
VINITALY 2023 in Verona, HERE WE GO!!
Come to visit us at the Hall 2 – Stand B16 to taste our entire range!
Cortese has been awarded with two WineHunter ROSSO
We are happy to share the news that our Cortese Nostru Catarratto Lucido Terre Siciliane IGP 2022 and our Cortese Vanedda Terre Siciliane IGP 2022 have received excellent accolades in Italy – they have been awarded with the ROSSO at The Wine Hunter 2023 in Merano.
These annual awards are assigned to top quality wines, culinary products, spirits and craft beer. The awards is given only to those products with a minimum score of 90 out of 100 after a very careful evaluation process, and therefore are a guarantee of superior quality.
The WineHunter Award ROSSO category is from 90 to 92.99 points out of 100.
James Suckling New Scores
We are happy to share the news that our wines have been awarded by James Suckling in a recent review:
CORTESE NOSTRU CATARRATTO LUCIDO TERRE SICILIANE IGP BIO 2022 - 90 pts.
A fresh and fruity white with notes of apples and lemons as well as some white flowers and chalk. Medium-bodied with mouthwatering acidity. Easy and joyful with a flovourful finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
CORTESE NOSTRU NERELLO MASCALESE TERRE SICILIANE IGP BIO 2022 - 93 pts.
Very crunchy with lots of watermelon, sliced cherry and orange peel character, especially on the palate. Medium body. Crisp finish. Austerity with focus. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
CORTESE SABUCI CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA CLASSICO DOCG BIO 2021 - 90 pts.
This has a ripe fruit character with sweet plums, strawberries, licorice and vanilla. Medium-to full bodied, firm and chalky with crisp acidity coming through. Rich and fruity but refreshing at the end. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Vegan. Drink now.
CORTESE SENIA NERO D'AVOLA SICILIA DOC BIO 2020 - 91 pts.
Flattering sweet spices and walnut characters with dark cherries and strawberries. The juicy, medium-bodied palate has a lot of cruncy, spiced berry fruit on offer. Tannins are fresh and soft. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
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New James Suckling score for Boscopiano!
A great achievement for our Cortese Boscopiano Frappato Terre Siciliane 2020, that has been awarded 92 points by James Suckling in a recent review:
”Heather flowers, cranberries, dried grapefruit and some baking spices on the nose. Juicy, savory and nicely structured on the palate with a medium body and a medium-long finisch. A transparent, serious Frappato made in a more complex style. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.”
Come and visit us at the 32° Merano Wine Festival
Come and join us at the Bio&dynamica event, held at the 32nd Merano Wine Festival, an exibition of wines from all over Italy and around the world. All partecipating wineries are characterised by their high quality, unique production techniques and excellent expression.
Bio&dynamica celebrates the beauty and complexity of wines produced in the most natural, organic and biodynamic way. The Merano Wine Festival has a long-term commitment to the promotion of sustainable and ethical wine production and the preservation of a region's natural authenticity, ensuring the continuity of our winemaking heritage for generations to come. This dedication to sustainability extends beyond the wines themselves and encompasses the entire festival experience.
We will be there!
Come and visit us
3rd of NOVEMBER
Sala Lentner
table n. 74
Cortese in Miami for the Great Wines World 2024!
The 29th of February and the 1st of March we will be in Miami for the Great Wines World 2024 event organized by James Suckling.
One of the USA’s best wine gatherings and a must-attend event for members of the wine industry and wine lovers. The walk-around, interactive wine tasting will present a JamesSuckling.com handpicked selection of the most sought-after wines from prestigious and renowned top brands as well as selected premium boutique wineries.
We will be there with our organic Sicilian wines:
- Nostru Nerello Mascalese Terre Siciliane IGP 2022 which awarded a 93 POINT review
- Boscopiano Frappato Terre Siciliane IGP 2020 which awarded a 92 POINT review
See you soon Miami!
CORTESE EXPERIENCE
Live the Cortese Experience with a tasting of its most representive organic and vegan-friendly wines: a journey to the past, present and future of wine in the terroir of this unique Sicilian DOCG. Discover this terroir and our philosophy for respecting the land, its fruits, flora and fauna. You will witness the beauty of our vineyards before savouring six different expressions of the land, all sustainably made and of high qualitly.
The wines available to taste are:
Nostru Carricante Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Nerello Mascalese Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC
Vanedda Bianco Terre Siciliane IGP
Senia Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC
Sabuci Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
To taste:
A tasting of typical local Iblean products.
Duration of the visit:
2 hours | minimum 2 partecipants
Price:
65 € per person
Booking:
Ph. +39 388 981 5320
Email info@agricolacortese.com
RISERVA EXPERIENCE
Azienda Agricola Cortese has an on-going commitment to to improve its work, while respecting nature and through the research into expressions of terroir, three extraordinary wines have been created: Avulisi, “O” Orisi and Boscopiano. Respectively, these wines represent: our best expression of Nero d’Avola; the world’s only wine made from the Orisi relic grape variety; and a Frappato vinified in amphorae, insipired by the ancient wines of Kamarina. The experience begins with a visit to our vineyards, where you will discover the beauty of this terroir, our organic cultivation, as well as the actions we take in the vineyards to maintain biodiversity, such as our experiemental vineyard, unique of its kind it is a guardian of the genetic heritage of Sicilian viticulture. The tasting will comprise of three organic and vegan-friendly wines.
The wines available to taste are:
Cortese Boscopiano Frappato Terre Sciiliane IGP
Santa Tresa Avulisi Riserva Sicilia DOC
Santa Tresa Orisi Rosso Terre Siciliane IGP
To taste:
A tasting of typical local Iblean products.
Duration of the visit:
2 hours | minimum 4 partecipants
Price:
90 € per person
Booking:
Ph. +39 388 981 5320
Email info@agricolacortese.com
NOSTRU EXPERIENCE
The authenticity of the Iblean terroir is encapsulated in the organic, vegan-friendly range “Nostru”. Nostru is made from indigenous Sicilian grapes, showing the perfume and flavours of Vittoria in every glass. In this tasting you will delve deeply into a terroir rich in resources, which we cultivate, while taking care to respect the natural rhythm to make our sustainable wines. The visit includes a tour of our vineyards and concludes with a tasting which will comprise of three wines from our Nostru collection.
The wines available to taste should be chosen from the following:
Nostru Carricante Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Catarratto Lucido Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Nerello Mascalese Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC
To taste:
You can add a tasting of typical local Iblean products if you wish (incurring a cost of 5 Euros per person).
Duration of the visit:
90 minutes | minimum 2 partecipants
Price:
25 € per person
Booking:
Ph. +39 388 981 5320
Email info@agricolacortese.com
LA SELEZIONE EXPERIENCE
The elegance of the Iblean terroir is encapsulated in three wines. Wines which express the characteristics of the Ragusa terroir, with its rich history and which show a strong identity of the vineyards they come from. The visit is a discovery of terroir and craftmanship, of our organic philosophy through respect for the land and its fruits, flora and forna, cherishing the past and looking towards the future. At the end of the tour there is a tasting of the three wines in the range “La Selezione”.
The wines available to taste are:
Vanedda Bianco Terre Siciliane IGP
Senia Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC
Sabuci Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
To taste:
You can add a tasting of typical local Iblean products if you wish (incurring a cost of 5 Euros per person).
Duration of the visit:
90 minutes | minimum 2 partecipants
Price:
40 € per person
Booking:
Ph. +39 388 981 5320
Email info@agricolacortese.com
BRUNCH EXPERIENCE
A wine and food experience to discover Sicily! With the Brunch Cortese, you can savour the authentic flavours of four wines from the Nostru collection, perfectly paired with a selection of local delicacies. The Nostru wines are crafted from native Sicilian grape varieties and, combined with the flavours of Iblean gastronomy, offer a true journey into the tastes of our land. The experience also includes a walk through our vineyards.
The wines available to taste should be chosen from the following:Nostru Carricante Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Catarratto Lucido Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Frappato Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Nerello Mascalese Terre Siciliane IGP
Nostru Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC
To taste:
A tasting of typical local Iblean products
Duration of the visit:
120 minutes | minimum 2 partecipants
Price:
35 € per person
Booking:
Ph. +39 388 981 5320
Email info@agricolacortese.com
SOCIETÀ AGRICOLA CORTESE
C.da Sabuci, 3 Km 11 | VITTORIA | RAGUSA | ITALIA
+39 0932 875 615 - info@agricolacortese.com
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