Timorasso, a unique wine of Tortona

When looking for autochthonous wines, we happened to arrive in the environs of Alessandria, in Eastern Piedmont, in the zone called Colli Tortonesi. The wines of this appellation are called Colli Tortonesi DOC. The zone is divided into two subzones: Monleale and Terre di Libarna. It consists of 30 towns situated on mild and picturesque hills in the province of Alessandria, which altogether have 1800 hectares of vineyards. Only 40 hectares give grapes of Timorasso. Why was it worth to go almost 1000 kilometers to arrive at the borders of Liguria associated with seaside resorts? Because as lovers of Piedmontese wines and unparalleled richness of authentic wines, we knew that Timorasso comes from vineyards located in the former Roman colony, in Latin called Derthona. Dating back to the past, this unusual grape variety was already known in the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, Pier de Crescenzi, an author of the first agricultural encyclopedia, included an ampelographic description of Timorasso. Thus, there is no doubt about the origin of the grape, it is also known that it prefers places situated in high hills, from the east to the west of Val Curone, Val Grue, Valle Ossona and Val Borbera. Legend has it, Leonardo Da Vinci gave a wedding gift to Isabella d'Aragon, Montebore - a cheese made in this region, and a wine that was called Timuras then, perfectly matching to the cheese. Of course, this is the same wine that appreciated even Great Leonardo. In the next centuries Timorasso was a flagship wine of the Colli Tortonesi. It is a well-noted fact that in the 19th century from Tortona were dispatched by train whole tanks of fresh white wine (still muddy then) with the addition of Cortese and Citronino. The wine was called Torbolino and was sent to Germany and Switzerland. Afterwards it disappeared for some time and only in 1987 the local winegrowers began to grow the grape again. The gentle climate of Tortona, good exposition of slopes to the sun, wind blowing the vines clean, big temperature differences between day and night in the period before vintage, brown-yellow soil consisting of calcareous and clayey layers, provide ideal conditions for growing of white grape varieties, among which, apart from already mentioned Timorasso, also Cortese and Favorita. Moreover, in the whole region are cultivated also red grape varieties like Barbera, Croatina and Dolcetto.

However, Timorasso delights by uncommon personality (we use personification not without reason). Not every year it is possible to produce wine from the grape, but when is made, there are no illusions about its uniqueness. White wines usually are not aged, not Timorasso, with time this wine better presents its merits. The minimal period of ageing according to regulations, which specify its production ? so called disciplinare, is 13 months, and in the process of ageing it is possible to use oak barrels. As a result is created great white wine of goldish color and with intense aromas reminding of acacia blossom, ripe pear and honey. Velvety, soft and warm in the taste. With high alcohol content, namely 13,5%, the potential of this outstanding wine is even more highlighted. What's more, even if the wine is not aged in wood, it will still be so full and expressed, giving the impression of naturalness and clearness.

Everyone, who can appreciate the values of niche wines, that are absolutely unique, will certainly reach a glass of Timorasso. You should, however, remember that it should not be chilled too much, its optimal temperature is about 14?C. Only then it best offers its aroma and taste. You can be assured that you will return for this great wine of Tortona with pleasure.