Derthona (2020) - Fontanafredda
In the heart of the Colli Tortonesi, Timorasso, an ancient and almost forgotten grape variety, has found new life thanks to the passion of a few visionary growers. Among them, Fontanafredda has taken up the challenge of bringing Derthona back into the limelight, a wine that takes its name from the ancient Roman city of Tortona. It is said that as early as the Middle Ages wine merchants crossed these lands carrying Timorasso with them, prized for its ability to age and improve over time. The rebirth of this grape variety has turned the Colli Tortonesi into a symbol of rediscovery and innovation, bringing together tradition and modernity in a glass of liquid history.
Derthona (2020) - Fontanafredda
Type: Vino Bianco
Area: Italy, Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi (Alessandria)
Appellation: Colli Tortonesi DOC
Grape variety: Timorasso
Vintage: 2020
Winery: Fontanafredda
Alcohol: 14%
The appellation: Colli Tortonesi DOC
The Colli Tortonesi DOC is a Denominazione di Origine Controllata of south-eastern Piedmont, established in 1973, which embraces the hills around Tortona (province of Alessandria). It is a varietal and territorial appellation, taking in white, red and rosé wines, but its name today is inextricably linked to one of the greatest Italian white varieties: Timorasso. In recent years, thanks to the rediscovery of Timorasso (also known as Derthona), this appellation has come back into the spotlight of the Italian and European wine scene.
Find out more about Colli Tortonesi DOCWhat to eat with Derthona
Who makes it: Fontanafredda
Set in the heart of Piedmont, the Fontanafredda winery is a symbol of Italian winemaking tradition. Nestled in the Colli Tortonesi, this historic estate is known for its dedication to the quality and authenticity of the wines it makes. The winery stands out for its ability to express the local area through its labels, all strictly tied to the Colli Tortonesi DOC appellation.
Read more about FontanafreddaThe vine of Derthona
Timorasso
Timorasso is a white grape variety indigenous to south-eastern Piedmont, rediscovered in the 1990s after a long period of neglect. Today it is considered one of the most surprising and long-lived whites of Italy, especially in the Colli Tortonesi area (province of Alessandria), where it gives structured, mineral wines with great ageing potential. Thanks to the pioneering work of producers such as Walter Massa, Timorasso has regained its prestige, becoming the symbol of the winemaking revival of Colli Tortonesi DOC, where it is often shown on the label as Derthona.
Find out moreDerthona: the Colli Tortonesi (Alessandria) area
Colli Tortonesi (Alessandria)
The Colli Tortonesi are a striking wine area in the south-eastern part of Piedmont, in the province of Alessandria, on the border with Lombardy and Liguria. This hilly, well-ventilated territory is famous for having given new life to one of the rarest and most prized white varieties of Italy: Timorasso. Thanks to its limestone-marl soils, an average altitude of between 250 and 400 m above sea level and an Apennine microclimate, the wines of the Colli Tortonesi stand out for their finesse, structure and ageing potential, in both the whites and the native and international reds.
Find out more about Colli Tortonesi (Alessandria)Climate: Continental
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Derthona
Primary aromas: White flowers, White fruit
Secondary aromas: Aromatic herbs, minerals
Tertiary aromas: Almond, Honey
Tasting notes: A structured white wine with mineral, savoury notes, typical of the Timorasso of the Colli Tortonesi.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Mineral |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Golden yellow |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Derthona
Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas
Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness.What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel WinemakingPreserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product.Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling.Characteristics of the Resulting Wines ColourWhites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency.AromasFruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs.TasteFresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally.Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape VarietiesVermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes.Black Grape VarietiesPinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés.Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Derthona
In Stainless Steel (7–18 months)
Ageing in stainless steel for between 7 and 18 months is a winemaking choice aimed at obtaining more structured, complex wines, while retaining the varietal purity and aromatic precision typical of an inert material. Unlike short ageing periods, here the wine is left to mature for longer in stainless steel so that it stabilises naturally, develops slowly and gains greater balance, without any aromatic interference from wood or oxidation.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Derthona
- No contact with the lees