White Wine

Timorasso

There have been five generations of the Massa family working in the steep hills just east of Tortona to keep the flame of the Timorasso grape alight. Walter Massa is the savior of this variety that was once the prime grape in Gavi, before the less troublesome Cortese took over. Until recently Massa grew the last few hectares of Timorasso in the world with minimal intervention, wild yeasts and no chemicals.

In 2020 there were over 600Ha planted, and growing.

Derthona is the name of the wine made from the grape Timorasso. Just like Barolo is the name of the wine made from the Grape Nebbiolo.

Under the Derthona name of Massa’s label lies the words, “Un territorio, un vino, un vitigno”, which means “One terroir, one wine, one vine”. If it wasn’t for the tenacity and determination of Walter Massa, the owner of Vigneti Massa, who clearly believed in the tremendous potential of this grape variety, then we might not taste this exemplary grape today.

A few decades ago, when Walter Massa took over his family’s wine production, the Timorasso grape was nearing extinction. He began producing Timorasso pomace for a well-known grappa producer and this provided the capital necessary for extensive experimentation with the varietal.

This talented grape is remarkably rare, having been long undervalued in a region well known for its Barolos and Barbarescos. Massa never stopped believing in the potential of this grape.

The guys + gals at Roagna, Borgogno, Vietti, Poderi Oddero, Scarpa, and, Pio Cesare agree.

Timorasso and Nascetta are the two most exciting Italian white grapes to be brought back from the ashes.

Where is it grown?

Timorasso grows on the sunny southeastern Piemontese hills of Colli Tortonesi near Tortona, east of Alessandria and bordering Emilia-Romagna.

What does it taste like?

1. It looks to be cable of making a diverse array of wine styles, anything from fresh crisp Chablisienne numbers, helped by high natural acidity, to rich, full bodied, very textural wines. The difference can be 2% alcohol between them.

2. It complex with an array of intriguing aromas and flavours.

3. Texture is a big component of the wine. Often increasing use of phenolics across the spectrum of styles from playful & fun to the full bodied.

4. With such growth in popularity we’ve seen significant new plantings, there will be young material and winemakers new to the variety for a bit. The quality of the makers from above should see a rapid evolution in style and quality.

Hero Pic. Walter Massa by Stephanie Sprinkle.


Claudio Mariotto's Top Gear!


Claudio along with Walter Massa are in large responsible for saving Timorasso.

They work so closely together that they even share their chief winery guy ‘Pigi’!

Textural with clever use of oxidative handling to build intrigue whilst maintaining a core of vibrant fruit and mineral acidity. Citrus zest and oils with pears and a little candied ginger. White flowers dance over the top with a little savoury hit. Flowing and luscious, chalky, savoury, spiced, sapidity in a cleansing way. Plenty of intrigue and interest here. An exceptional introduction to Timorasso.
$57
$54ea in any 6+
$51ea in any 12+
I've yet to taste the 2018 Bricco San Michele. Given the quality of the Cavallina and Pitasso from 2018 I expect it will be delicious! I trusted friend in the know has devoured one and given it the thumbs up! Note for the 2021: Textural with clever use of oxidative handling to build intrigue whilst maintaining a core of vibrant fruit and mineral acidity. Citrus zest and oils with pears and a little candied ginger. White flowers dance over the top with a little savoury hit. Flowing and lus
$130
$125ea in any 3+
$120ea in any 6+

Claudio Mariotto ‘Pitasso’ Derthona Timorasso 2018

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

Where the Cavallina has overt generosity and power, the fruit depth and length of the Pitasso are more than its equal, with an edge of sophistication that lends to a more restrained feel. The power is all there, showing superb linear fruit and exceptional, fine acid. This lingers forever! Stunning mouthfeel, leveling up on the harmony in comparison to the delicious Cavallina. This is very, very good. Effortless and composed. The flavours start with ripe pear, build and layer as you swallow and c
$102
$97ea in any 3+
$92ea in any 6+

Walter Massa's Latest


Refreshing!

Vigneti Massa Timorasso ‘Picolo Derthona’ 2022

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

The Picolo Derthona is the new entry wine from Walter Massa! The best Piccolo Derthona to date. The perfect introduction to Timorasso. More development depth and length than previous iterations. Delicate, thirst-quenching refreshing, flowing through with a saline line. Perfectly weighted phenolic note. Lemon citrus oil with pear and melon.  Lush phenolic layer that is seamless and well integrated. Delicious!
$57
$54ea in any 3+
$51ea in any 6+
Delicious!

Vigneti Massa Timorasso ‘Derthona’ 2021

Timorasso | Italy, Colli Tortonesi

From near extinction the Massa family have saved Timorasso, for that I am truly thankful! Massa's Derthona is the perfect introduction to the serious end of the spectrum of Timorasso. Excellent build in depth and length with excellent oxidative line that sits perfectly with fine acid and insane lemon oil and those mega lemons you could eat straight + apricot kernel.. Great depth and an extension of that lush flow making for an exciting mouthfeel, with harmony layering. Delicious. A little bak
$80
$76ea in any 3+
$72ea in any 6+
Delicious!

Vigneti Massa Timorasso ‘Derthona’ 2019

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

From near extinction the Massa family have saved Timorasso, for that I am truly thankful! Massa's Derthona is the perfect introduction to the variety. It's alway more complete than the 'Picolo Derthona' with a build in richness, more golden colour. Delicious, saline minerality, excellent acid profile, build in phenolics and carry through to a cleansing silvery line of bitterness + apricot kernel. The 2019 is another success from Massa & Piggy. A bolder slightly riper incarnation than the
$94
$90ea in any 3+
$86ea in any 6+

 


Monlia & Roagna


Monlia Colli Tortonesi Timorasso 2021

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

Released 6 months later than the 2020 and it shows immediately. The extra time offers up a beautifully resolved wine. There’s something about the texture, aroma and flavour profile of good Italian white. That silvery line of bitterness that graces the finish. Out to play, seamless, the texture is refined with an excellent phenolic play married to fine acid. When Pietro visited Wine Deoced HQ we talked of the gentle development large oak casks offer whilst retaining freshness in a wine. This is
$60
$57ea in any 3+
$54ea in any 6+

Roagna Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2017

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

A grape variety saved by saved by Massa & on the rise! With Vietti and Roagna adding their names to the few making Timorasso, it's clear something special is happening in Derthona (the old name for Tortona). I've tried the Massa's entry level version and loved its flavours and textures. Can't wait to try Roagna's version.
$166
$159ea in any 3+
$152ea in any 6+

Roagna Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2019

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

A grape variety saved by saved by Massa & on the rise! With Vietti, Roagna and Borgogno adding their names to those making Timorasso, it's clear something special is happening in Derthona (the old name for Tortona). 'The 2019 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is bright, transparent and super-expressive. Luca Roagna's Timorasso is one of the most refined versions. I have tasted of Timorasso, which is usually a much more rustic white wine.' Antonio Galloni, Vinous
$215
$205ea in any 3+
$195ea in any 6+

Elena & Luca Currado Introduce Timorasso!


Vietti Derthona Timorasso Colli Tortonesi 2020

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

The latest addition to the Vietti portfolio sees a white from the eastern most border of the Piedmont region. A perfect fit for Vietti with regard to their history of working with varietals of merit that for one reason or another have diminished over time. Timorasso makes beautiful wine the Massa is a cracker. I can't wait to try Vietti's version. With a wonderful array of flavours, textures, and, wonderful acidity the variety is loaded with personality & intrigue. For the 2019: Th
$80
$76ea in any 3+
$72ea in any 6+

Vietti Derthona Timorasso Colli Tortonesi 2021

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

The latest addition to the Vietti portfolio sees a white from the eastern most border of the Piedmont region. A perfect fit for Vietti with regard to their history of working with varietals of merit that for one reason or another have diminished over time. Timorasso makes beautiful wine the Massa is a cracker.
$88
$84ea in any 3+
$80ea in any 6+

Skip 5mins in to get past the guff!

Filters & Sorting

Showing all 11 results

Refreshing!

Vigneti Massa Timorasso ‘Picolo Derthona’ 2022

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

The Picolo Derthona is the new entry wine from Walter Massa! The best Piccolo Derthona to date. The perfect introduction to Timorasso. More development depth and length than previous iterations. Delicate, thirst-quenching refreshing, flowing through with a saline line. Perfectly weighted phenolic note. Lemon citrus oil with pear and melon.  Lush phenolic layer that is seamless and well integrated. Delicious!
$57
$54ea in any 3+
$51ea in any 6+
Textural with clever use of oxidative handling to build intrigue whilst maintaining a core of vibrant fruit and mineral acidity. Citrus zest and oils with pears and a little candied ginger. White flowers dance over the top with a little savoury hit. Flowing and luscious, chalky, savoury, spiced, sapidity in a cleansing way. Plenty of intrigue and interest here. An exceptional introduction to Timorasso.
$57
$54ea in any 6+
$51ea in any 12+

Monlia Colli Tortonesi Timorasso 2021

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

Released 6 months later than the 2020 and it shows immediately. The extra time offers up a beautifully resolved wine. There’s something about the texture, aroma and flavour profile of good Italian white. That silvery line of bitterness that graces the finish. Out to play, seamless, the texture is refined with an excellent phenolic play married to fine acid. When Pietro visited Wine Deoced HQ we talked of the gentle development large oak casks offer whilst retaining freshness in a wine. This is
$60
$57ea in any 3+
$54ea in any 6+

Vietti Derthona Timorasso Colli Tortonesi 2020

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

The latest addition to the Vietti portfolio sees a white from the eastern most border of the Piedmont region. A perfect fit for Vietti with regard to their history of working with varietals of merit that for one reason or another have diminished over time. Timorasso makes beautiful wine the Massa is a cracker. I can't wait to try Vietti's version. With a wonderful array of flavours, textures, and, wonderful acidity the variety is loaded with personality & intrigue. For the 2019: Th
$80
$76ea in any 3+
$72ea in any 6+
Delicious!

Vigneti Massa Timorasso ‘Derthona’ 2021

Timorasso | Italy, Colli Tortonesi

From near extinction the Massa family have saved Timorasso, for that I am truly thankful! Massa's Derthona is the perfect introduction to the serious end of the spectrum of Timorasso. Excellent build in depth and length with excellent oxidative line that sits perfectly with fine acid and insane lemon oil and those mega lemons you could eat straight + apricot kernel.. Great depth and an extension of that lush flow making for an exciting mouthfeel, with harmony layering. Delicious. A little bak
$80
$76ea in any 3+
$72ea in any 6+

Vietti Derthona Timorasso Colli Tortonesi 2021

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

The latest addition to the Vietti portfolio sees a white from the eastern most border of the Piedmont region. A perfect fit for Vietti with regard to their history of working with varietals of merit that for one reason or another have diminished over time. Timorasso makes beautiful wine the Massa is a cracker.
$88
$84ea in any 3+
$80ea in any 6+
Delicious!

Vigneti Massa Timorasso ‘Derthona’ 2019

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

From near extinction the Massa family have saved Timorasso, for that I am truly thankful! Massa's Derthona is the perfect introduction to the variety. It's alway more complete than the 'Picolo Derthona' with a build in richness, more golden colour. Delicious, saline minerality, excellent acid profile, build in phenolics and carry through to a cleansing silvery line of bitterness + apricot kernel. The 2019 is another success from Massa & Piggy. A bolder slightly riper incarnation than the
$94
$90ea in any 3+
$86ea in any 6+

Claudio Mariotto ‘Pitasso’ Derthona Timorasso 2018

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

Where the Cavallina has overt generosity and power, the fruit depth and length of the Pitasso are more than its equal, with an edge of sophistication that lends to a more restrained feel. The power is all there, showing superb linear fruit and exceptional, fine acid. This lingers forever! Stunning mouthfeel, leveling up on the harmony in comparison to the delicious Cavallina. This is very, very good. Effortless and composed. The flavours start with ripe pear, build and layer as you swallow and c
$102
$97ea in any 3+
$92ea in any 6+
I've yet to taste the 2018 Bricco San Michele. Given the quality of the Cavallina and Pitasso from 2018 I expect it will be delicious! I trusted friend in the know has devoured one and given it the thumbs up! Note for the 2021: Textural with clever use of oxidative handling to build intrigue whilst maintaining a core of vibrant fruit and mineral acidity. Citrus zest and oils with pears and a little candied ginger. White flowers dance over the top with a little savoury hit. Flowing and lus
$130
$125ea in any 3+
$120ea in any 6+

Roagna Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2017

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

A grape variety saved by saved by Massa & on the rise! With Vietti and Roagna adding their names to the few making Timorasso, it's clear something special is happening in Derthona (the old name for Tortona). I've tried the Massa's entry level version and loved its flavours and textures. Can't wait to try Roagna's version.
$166
$159ea in any 3+
$152ea in any 6+

Roagna Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2019

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

A grape variety saved by saved by Massa & on the rise! With Vietti, Roagna and Borgogno adding their names to those making Timorasso, it's clear something special is happening in Derthona (the old name for Tortona). 'The 2019 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is bright, transparent and super-expressive. Luca Roagna's Timorasso is one of the most refined versions. I have tasted of Timorasso, which is usually a much more rustic white wine.' Antonio Galloni, Vinous
$215
$205ea in any 3+
$195ea in any 6+