Derthona (2023) - Vigneti Massa

The name “Derthona” is the ancient Latin place name for Tortona and is today synonymous with Timorasso, the variety rediscovered and revived by Walter Massa himself. This wine is considered the symbol of the rebirth of Timorasso and is capable of evolving for over 10 years.

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.

What to eat with Derthona

Who makes it: Vigneti Massa

Vigneti Massa is the winery of Walter Massa, a visionary winegrower and a central figure in the revival of Timorasso, the native variety of the Colli Tortonesi (eastern Piedmont). From the ’80s, when few believed in the potential of this variety, Massa began to vinify it with seriousness and insight, marking out the way for a new territorial identity. Today, Vigneti Massa is a byword for research, authenticity and local pride, with an independent approach, often outside the box, but always consistent with the idea of making great wine from local grapes.

The 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.

Derthona: the Colli Tortonesi (Alessandria) area

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Derthona

Primary aromas: Yellow fruit (peach, apple, medlar), Citrus (citron, lime) and White flowers and broom

Secondary aromas: Flint, light petrol notes (already perceptible when young), Acacia honey and medicinal herbs

Tertiary aromas: Hazelnut, ginger, resin, intense petrol notes

Tasting notes: The Derthona 2023 from Walter Massa is a single-variety Timorasso that combines substance, tension and depth. On the palate it is saline and straight, with a substantial structure supported by lively acidity. It closes long on citrus and mineral memories and a pleasant bitter note. Despite its youth, it already shows complexity and balance, but promises a memorable evolution in the bottle.