Cortese has been grown in Italy's northern Piedmont region since the early 17th century. Wines made from Cortese (particularly those from the DOCG Gavi) have long been favoured by restaurants in the southern, neighbouring port of Genoa as a wine pairing with the local seafood caught off the Ligurian coast. Apple, peach, and honeydew melon flavours are commonly associated with these wines, which have lime, almond and lightly herbal/grassy aromas. A great wine to pair with pasta and pesto dishes.