Timorasso
(Derthona, Morasso, Timuassa, Timoraccio, Timorazza, Timorosso)
Timorasso is a native grape from Piedmont that is nowadays mostly planted in Alessandria. The grape was on the verge of extinction, but now it makes some of the most exciting Italian wines. The wines produced from Timorasso are full-bodied, high in acidity, and have good aging potential.
The aromas are floral and fruity, reminiscent of citrus, apples, and peaches. As they age, they tend to gain honeyed, nutty, and spicy notes, along with some minerality. Three decades ago, Timorasso was almost extinct, primarily because of phylloxera and two world wars.
The plantings were later replaced with international varieties and more resilient local grapes (mainly Cortese). The grape was brought back from obscurity mainly due to Walter Massa (Vigneti Massa). He realized and later proved that this underappreciated local grape has excellent potential and can produce high-quality wines with good aging potential. Read more
Other producers soon followed Massa's approach. The varietal version of Massa's Timorasso is labeled as Derthona, and the entire Consorzio of Timorasso decided to use the Derthona label for their Timorasso, with the desire to create a subzone in the future.
Varietals are allowed in DOC appellations Colli Tortonesi and Monferrato. Timorasso wine pairs with various dishes. It can be enjoyed with lighter fare, such as appetizers, cheese, pasta dishes, and risottos, but it can also go well with rich seafood, poultry, and dishes with truffles or mushrooms.
