Timorasso

Timorasso has been documented in the Piedmont region since the 14th century, appearing in Pietro de' Crescenzi's agricultural encyclopedia. The variety was nearly wiped out by phylloxera in the late 19th century and was further marginalized as growers replaced it with the easier-to-cultivate Cortese. By the early 1980s, fewer than 0.5 hectares remained. The turnaround came in 1987, when Walter Massa of Vigneti Massa began restoring the grape from approximately 400 surviving plants on his family estate. By the late 1990s, more than 20 producers had taken up cultivation, and the variety now counts over 60 wineries producing it from more than 750 acres of vines.

• Documented in the region since the 14th century in Pietro de' Crescenzi's encyclopedia
• Phylloxera and competition from Cortese drove it to near-extinction by the 1980s
• Walter Massa's 1987 revival effort started with just 400 surviving plants
• Growth from under 1 hectare to 750+ acres in roughly three decades

Timorasso is grown in the Colli Tortonesi zone of southeast Piedmont, spanning the provinces of Alessandria and Asti. Vineyards sit at elevations of 500 to 750 metres on calcareous-clay and clayey-marly soils. The continental temperate climate of Piedmont suits the variety's mid-early ripening period. Production is currently limited to approximately 300 hectares, though the grape has begun to appear in small quantities in Ukraine and California.

• Colli Tortonesi DOC zone, provinces of Alessandria and Asti
• Vineyard elevations range from 500 to 750 metres
• Calcareous-clay and clayey-marly soils
• Continental temperate Piedmontese climate suits mid-early ripening

Timorasso produces full-bodied white wines with high acidity, comparable in structure to dry Riesling. Young wines display tropical fruit, citrus, honey, and wildflower aromas. With bottle age, the wines develop mineral and petroleum-like notes that add considerable complexity. The minimum alcohol content for DOC designation is 12%, and the wines require at least 10 months of aging. Riserva wines must age for a minimum of 21 months. The combination of high acidity and structural depth makes Timorasso one of Italy's most age-worthy white varieties.

• High acidity and full body comparable to dry Riesling
• Young wines show tropical fruit, citrus, honey, and wildflowers
• Develops mineral and petroleum-like complexity with age
• Minimum 12% alcohol for DOC; 10 months aging required, 21+ months for Riserva

Timorasso is classified as an autochthonous Italian white grape variety under the DOC Colli Tortonesi Timorasso designation. Wines labeled as Timorasso must contain at least 85 to 95% of the variety depending on the specific designation. Maximum grape yield is set at 8 tonnes per hectare with a 65% grape-to-wine yield. A proposed Derthona DOC, named after the Roman name for the town of Tortona, has been put forward to further elevate the variety's profile. The grape is also known by several synonyms, including Morasso, Timuassa, Timoraccio, Timorazza, Timorosso, and Derthona.

• DOC Colli Tortonesi Timorasso requires 85-95% Timorasso depending on designation
• Maximum yield 8 t/ha with 65% grape-to-wine conversion
• Synonyms include Morasso, Timuassa, Timoraccio, Timorazza, Timorosso, and Derthona
• A Derthona DOC has been proposed to further recognize the variety