Cren dell' Ape Piemonte Cortese 2010

Cren dell' Ape Piemonte Cortese 2010

Origin: Piedmonte, Italy
Blend: Cortese (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A light gold with green highlights, this floral wine has aromas of tree fruit (apple, pear) with a slight note of honey. The fruit flavors on the palate are more spicy than not, cider- and perry-like, with considerable mineral character. Though the finish is lengthy, it doesn't add anything new or different from the palate.

Our rating: Maybe it's because it is October, this wine reminds us of autumn. The flavors are definitely reminiscent of fall fruit and spices. There's a hint of citrus now and then, but it's definitely a background characteristic. This is an interesting wine, one that paired well with our grilled chicken and broccoli over pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil, though we think it might pair somewhat better with seafood than with poultry. This is not a popular varietal here — this is only our third bottle since we began our published reviews in 2007 — and we have little to go by for comparison; regardless, we rather enjoyed it and rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Castelvero Cortese 2008

Castelvero Cortese 2008
Origin: Piemonte, Italy
Blend: Cortese (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Very pale straw green in color, this wine has aromas of citrus, notably grapefruit, with hints of fresh herbs. Smooth and of moderate body on the palate, the fruit flavors are definitely citric in character, but not overly tart. The finish is very clean and refreshing.

Our rating: This would make for a very nice aperitif, but would also pair well with shellfish. We enjoyed our bottle with a vegetarian pizza, probably not the best pairing, but it worked surprisingly well. An unusual varietal not often seen in the US, it should be consumed while young (a year or so at most after bottling). We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale color with hints of green. Aromas of grapefruit and minerals, light-bodied, fresh, crisp citrus-fruited wine. Ideal with fish or on its own as an aperitif."

Winery website: None found. The bottle depicted is slightly different from the one reviewed.

Beni di Batasiolo Gavi 2006

Beni di Batasiolo Gavi 2006
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Blend: 100% Cortese
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Crisp, refreshing lemon and pear flavors. Perfect as an aperitif and with appetizers, fish and white meats."

ABC Wines review: This Italian white wine effervesces very slightly upon pouring. It is quite citrusy, but seems to lack overall body and depth, being almost watery. It is tart and crisp on the finish. A nice wine to serve with very light appetizers, but not likely to complement to a more substantial meal. Our score: Average.