Derthona | Massa Vineyards

Derthona | Massa Vineyards

Sale price€19,00
White
Piedmont (IT)
Timorasso 100%
Enjoy it within 5 years
14% ABV
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Production and refinement

The Timorasso grapes come from vineyards managed with minimal intervention, prioritizing biodiversity and the natural balance of the plants. The vineyards are located on gentle clay-limestone hills of the Colli Tortonesi, with optimal exposure to light and wind, allowing for slow and even ripening that preserves acidity, freshness, and the fruit’s complex aromas.

Vinification takes place through spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of chemicals. The wine ages on its fine lees, developing body, complexity, and roundness, while maintaining the freshness and sapidity characteristic of Timorasso. This approach aligns with Walter Massa’s artisanal philosophy: minimal intervention, with maximum emphasis on the terroir and the grape variety he helped preserve.

Organoleptic analysis

Visual exam

Medium-intensity straw yellow, bright and inviting, with warm reflections that hint at the wine’s complex character.

Olfactory examination

On the nose, it expresses a broad and complex bouquet, with hints of acacia and linden flowers, notes of ripe yellow fruit, and delicate citrus accents. Beautiful mineral and flint nuances evoke the volcanic-calcareous soils from which the grapes originate.

Tasting

On the palate, it is warm and full, with a good alcohol level perfectly balanced by mineral freshness. The sip is long and persistent, with a creamy structure that envelops the palate and leaves an elegant, memorable finish, confirming the great personality and distinctive character of Timorasso.

Contents index

From the vineyard to the table: discover our wine

Ready for a journey to discover Derthona | Massa Vineyards ? We will now take you to delve deeper into every aspect of this exceptional wine through three key sections:

Cellar

Come and learn about the history and values ​​of the winery which passionately grows and transforms grapes into wine

Territory

Immerse yourself in the land that gives life to these unique grapes, discovering the climate and terroir that influence its character

Pairings

Get expert advice on the perfect pairings that will enhance both the wine and your meal

The winery

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont, Monleale

Hectares of vineyards: 30

Vigneti Massa

The centuries-old history of Vigneti Massa, located in Monleale on the Tortonese Hills, is now embodied in the dedication of its current owner, Walter, to the family business.

Walter's brilliance in recognizing the potential of Timorasso as the base for a great wine matches his determination to promote and spread this extraordinary white wine, first beyond the local area, then throughout the region, and eventually internationally. He applies the same approach and commitment to Barbera, Croatina, and Freisa, always striving to vinify them in the most noble way possible.

Vigneti Massa

Walter's story is closely tied to that of his land, where, with a "lighthouse" mentality, he is working alongside many "vertical" companies like his own to firmly establish Timorasso as a symbol of the Tortonese Hills.

Derthona is the name we must increasingly learn and recognize to identify Timorasso in its ideal terroir.

Region and territory

piemonte

Great wines that express the perfection of a terroir

Piedmont

Great wines that express the perfection of a terroir

Piedmont

Great wines that express the perfection of a terroir

Piedmont

In Piedmont, the first traces of viticulture date back to pre-Roman times (precisely to the Bronze Age, around 1500 B.C.), and although today the peak of quality is found in the region's great red wines, Piedmont also produces excellent white wines and sparkling wines.

The role of Piedmont has been fundamental for the development of modern Italian winemaking. It is here that the first examples of zoning of wine-growing areas were recorded, introducing concepts such as terroir and cru to Italian wines. Thanks to zoning, if a wine is produced exclusively from grapes coming from a single vineyard or parcel, the geographical indication appears on the label, increasing its prestige.

In addition to the geographical delineations indicated on the map, Piedmont is divided into 8 zones that group the 16 DOCG and 42 regional DOCs. Among these, we remember in the north the famous Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG, near Turin the Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG, in Monferrato the Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG, Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG, Dogliani DOCG, Ovada DOCG, Gavi DOCG, and Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG, ending with Roero DOCG to the left of the Tanaro river and, in the Langhe region, with the famous Barolo DOCG, Barbaresco DOCG, and Dogliani DOCG.

In Piedmont, the revolution in the world of wine began, bringing Italy back to the forefront of high-quality production. Here, with few exceptions, single-varietal wines are produced, which best express the characteristics of the terroir and magnificently exalt the Piedmontese territory.

Colli Tortonesi

We are in the area of the Colli Tortonesi: a succession of cultivated fields, vineyards, and orchards that represents a natural continuation of the Po Valley to the complex mountain range of Lower Piedmont, where the Alps give way to the Apennines.

There are many white grape varieties that make up the area of the Colli Tortonesi: Cortese, Favorita, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling Italico, Riesling Renano, Barbera Bianca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Sylvaner Verde, and Timorasso.

Timorasso, in particular, is a very rare and excellent Piedmontese variety, native to the province of Alessandria, saved from extinction by Walter Massa. It produces aromatic and drinkable wines and is also used in the distillation of grappa. Its production is limited but of very high quality. The wine made from Timorasso grapes (called Derthona, from the ancient name of the territory) is a real gem, highly appreciated by wine professionals.
The Colli Tortonesi host unique varieties of white grapes like Timorasso, saved from extinction and appreciated for its aromatic and high-quality wines.

Recommended pairings and dishes

Matching by concordance

Its alcoholic structure and full body call for equally rich and flavorful dishes, such as aged cheeses or more robust white meats, creating a balance between the richness of the food and the wine’s mineral structure.

Matching by contrast

Its pronounced sapidity pleasantly balances dishes with a slight natural sweetness, including vegetables and shellfish. Also perfect with fried foods.

It pairs well with

Fish-based first courses, seafood risottos, seafood appetizers, eggs and savory pies, or dishes with tartare and smoked fish; seasonal vegetables.

Matching by concordance

Its alcoholic structure and full body call for equally rich and flavorful dishes, such as aged cheeses or more robust white meats, creating a balance between the richness of the food and the wine’s mineral structure.

Matching by contrast

Its pronounced sapidity pleasantly balances dishes with a slight natural sweetness, including vegetables and shellfish. Also perfect with fried foods.

It pairs well with

Fish-based first courses, seafood risottos, seafood appetizers, eggs and savory pies, or dishes with tartare and smoked fish; seasonal vegetables.

Fried chicken

Fried chicken is a crispy and golden dish, prepared by dipping pieces of chicken in a batter or breading and frying them until achieving an irresistible texture. The outer crust is seasoned and flavorful, while the inside remains juicy and tender. Popular in many culinary traditions, it varies in techniques and flavors, from Southern Fried Chicken in the U.S. to Japanese karaage. Best enjoyed hot, it is often served with sauces, fries, or coleslaw. The contrast between crispiness and tenderness makes it a beloved comfort food worldwide.

Onion and Zucchini Quiche

A great vegetarian option that's simple to prepare, of medium texture, very aromatic, and with a pleasant hint of sweetness.

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