The following wine tasting notes for 66 Timorasso white wines from the Piedmont region of Italy complements my Forbes article titled This Italian Grape That Almost Vanished Is Gaining Taste Traction.
Azienda Agricola Canavero Luca. Piccolo Derthona. 2024.
Aromas of bright young fresh green apples, some cotton candy, marshmallows. Crisp clean acidity. Suave and rounded mouth feel; textured and linear with pronounced citrics.
Terre di Sarizzola. Colli Tortonesi Timorasso DOC. Piccolo Derthona. 2024. 89+-90 points.
Light lime color. Soft aromas of marshmallows, white pears, white peaches and green apples. Rounded flavors include candy corn. Bright acidity, lacking complexity.
Cantina La Stellara. Piccolo Derthona. 2024. 91 points.
Full and velvety aromas include candy cane and slight honey. Soft and elegant in the mouth, with spikes of acidity in a creamy sea of mellow flavors that include green apples and honey.
Cantina di Tortona. Piccolo Derthona Timorasso. 2024. 91 points.
Distinctly powerful aromas of honey, caramel and menthol. Soft, rounded, candied mid palate with well integrated acidity. Lime and guava flavors on the finish. Aromas more enticing that flavors.
Azienda Agricola Massa Filli. Piccolo Derthona. 2024. 91+ points.
Elegant, wafting, balanced aromas include ginergerbread and grapefruit. Lovely rounded, gentle mid palate with crisp citrics and slight honey and an acidic lilt on the finish.
Claudio Mariotto. Piccolo Derthona Timorasso DOC. 2024. 91+ points
Aromas of candy corn, grapefruit, green apples and golden syrup. Slightly complex with flavors of honey and citrics.
Vignaioli Battegazzore. Colli Tortonesi Derthona Maggiora. 2023. 91 points.
Aromas of citrics, green apples and white peaches. Pronounced acidity. Simple but engaging white wine with a crunchy mid palate that also provides a suave creamy mouth feel. Full tropicals on the finish.
Cantina Volpi. Colli Tortonesi DOC Timorasso Derthona. 2023. 91+ – 92 points.
Full, sweet, pronounced aromas of honey, green apples, guava, pineapple. Layered flavors, crisp acidity, well balanced. A creamy and delightful wine.
La Colombera. Santa Croce. Colli Tortonesi DOC. Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92+ points. €30.00. [Good Value ♫]
From Elisa Semino, whose family owns the property. Subdued low key aromas that include minerality, slight salinity and menthol/eucalyptus notes. Flavors of white pears, peaches, apricots – a delicious fruit salad that is balanced, easy drinking and with crisp acidity. Technically correct and personally pleasing wine.
La Colombera. Colli Tortonesi DOC. Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92+ points
Light golden color. Nine months in stainless steel. 13.5% alcohol because winemaker believers Timorasso loses expression at higher degrees of alcohol. Pronounced aromas of apple cider and sauce, caramel, buttered toast, apricots, slight mandarins and honey. Slick, slightly tart and complex mid palate with flavors of white pears, green apples, peaches, nectarines, some guava and pineapple. Fruit medley that is well balanced. Soft tannins, rounded mouth feel. Like a suave Chenin Blanc, but more rounded and succulent.
Azienda Agricola Canevaro Luca. Ca Degli Olmi. Colli Tortonesi DOC. Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91+ – 92 points.
Slightly nutty aromas also include tropical fruits, sesame, walnuts, honey and key lime pie. Light and bright mid palate with flavors of apple sauce, mangos, banafee pie and a creamy, brilliant finish. A meld of creaminess with slightly tart acidity,
La Colombera. Montino. Colli Tortonesi DOC. Derthona Timorraso. 2023. 92 points. €26.00. [Excellent Value ♫♫]
From a single vineyard with ample limestone located at 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level. Engaging, balanced, elegant and creamy aromas of grapefruit, green apples, caramel as well as butterscotch and kiwi fruit. Light, delicate and varied topical flavors mid palate that include lime, guava, pineapple and even slight pine. Flavors of minerality with a lemon snap on the finish. Acidity the prominent feature. Pair with haddock or sole and butter sauce.
La Colombera. Montino. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92+-93 points.
From a rainier season than 2023. Fine focused ray of tropical fruits and green apples, with crisp acidity on the finish.
La Colombera. Santa Croce. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92+-93 points. €30.00. [Good Value ♫]
Aged in tonneau. Bright honey and caramel aromas. Crunchy flavors of apple slices, butter and toffee. Pair with lime drizzled shrimp or a pecan pie dessert. Stupendous!
Sassaia de Alessandrini. Colli Tortonesi DOC. Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 93+ points. €30.00 [Good Value ♫]
This Italian producer who lived in the U.S. has adopted Burgundian techniques in harvesting with small containers and fermenting and aging in 228 liter oak barrels from six to nine months to soften acidity. Low and slow fermentation used to maintain aromatics and freshness. 13.5% alcohol; indigenous yeast. Clean linear focused juice with clean, balanced and engaging aromas of green apples and lime and slight minerality. Soft and creamy tannins, delicate and beautiful mid palate flavors—slightly smoky with caramel and apples, apricots, white peaches and white pears. Complex flavors with a generous and sparky finish that includes toffee. Burgundian influence on style evident.
Azienda Agricola Iandolo Francesco. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 93+ points.
Full and pronounced aromas of toffee, green apples, candy cane, marshmallows and slight allspice. Supple and seductive juice with flavors that include caramel and taffy, white pears and mandarins. Soft and creamy mid palate.
Vigneti Boveri Giacomo. Lacrime del Bricco. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91+ points.
This wine, not yet bottled, includes a focused and coherent ray of aromas that include lime and tropical fruit as well as hint of marshmallows and red licorice. Creamy and rounded mid palate flavors include buttered toast and guavas. Clean, fresh acidity.
Vigneti Leone. Vannoni. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92+ points.
This wine under screwcap includes brightly perfumed aromas of honey and lemon grass. Light citrics and shortbread mid palate and a delicate short finish.
Montalbera. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91+ – 92 points.
Crisp, linear, focused aromas of gin and tonic, mandarins, candy cane and menthol. Crisp and engaging flavors with a lemon and lime lilt mid palate as well as a blend of creaminess and angularity on the finish.
Terre di Sarizzola. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91+ – 92 points.
Brisk aromas include green grass and minerality. Mid palate includes citrics with slight honey on the finish. Easy drinking. Pair with shrimp and tagliatelle.
Azienda Agricola Oltretorrente. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92-93 points.
Light aromas of limes, lemongrass, pecans and buttered toast. Excellent acidic structure and a clean and focused mid palate with minerality and a spearmint lilt . Creamy but with a crisp and slightly angular finish.
Bruno Maurizio. Dei Sassi. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 93 points.
Brisk and crisp aromas of gin and tonic, menthol, butterscotch, shortbread and some balsamic. Engaging, balanced, creamy mid palate with a tropical fruit cocktail of flavors. Angular spearmint acidity on the finish. A gastronomic wine.
Poggio Paolo. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 93 points.
Aromas include green and red apples and lemon tart. Gorgeous and creamy flavors of caramel, green apples, white peaches and guava. Subdued and mild finish.
Ezio Poggio Winery. Archetipo. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92 points.
Bright and forward aromas of quinine tonic, candied apples, marshmallows and lemongrass. Juicy and creamy mid palate with a green apple snap and on the finish a lime soda kick. Balanced and bright with dynamic interactions between flavor components.
Cascina Giambolino. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91+ – 92 points.
Crispy, angular, citric aromas of mandarins, guava and menthol as well as pronounced spearmint. A menthol lilt to this well balanced and crisply acidic wine with slight honey on the finish.
La Vecchia Posta. Il Selvaggio. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91+ – 92 points.
Crisp, light, bright, linear, focused, acidic aromas that are slightly tart and include lemongrass and spearmint. Fresh and crisp acidity, somewhat linear.
Tenuta Garetto. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92-93 points.
Aromas of a spring day in a grassy field as well as honey, white flowers, slight balsamic. Textured full mouthful with flavors that include honey and gingerbread. Engaging and complex.
I Carpini. Rugiada del Mattino. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91+ – 92 points.
Distinctly unique aromas of roses, country lane, slight petrol and lime. Flavors include candy cane, red licorice and spearmint. Engaging and balanced.
Azienda Agricola Viberti Giovanni – Claudio Viberti. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92+ points
Aromas of white flowers and honey and flavors of applesauce and key lime pie. Balanced and grounded.
Societa Agricola La Spinetta. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91-92 points.
Aromas of apricot tart, lime and salinity. A creamy mouthful with bright acidity. Linear but engaging. Pair with fish such as cod.
Azienda Agricola Alvio Pestarino CHK SP Thymos. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 90+ – 91 points.
Light, quiet and spritzy aromas. Flavors include lime, spearmint, sight oatmeal, honey and salinity. Not complex but easy drinking.
Giacomo Borgogno e Figli. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91-92 points.
14% alcohol in this wine with light and succulent tropical flavors from this female winemaker; a mandarin river of subtle acidity; good minerality and salinity. Aromas include lime, menthol, butterscotch and white florals. Crispy, crunchy and linear though engaging.
Azienda Agricola Mandirola Enrico. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92+ points.
Spry aromas that are light and fresh and include lime pie and green grass. Delicate creaminess and a lively, balanced mid palate with flavors of guava, menthol and tropicals.
Azienda Agricola Ghio Roberto – Vignetti Piemontemare. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92-93 points.
Simple and sweet aromas of sugar pops, green grass, orange peel and lime zest, Balanced, engaging, complex wine with flavors that include butterscotch, honey and lemon tart.
Cascine Gentile. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 91+ – 92 points.
Brisk and fresh aromas with rancio characteristics and complexity—including burnt sugar and toffee. Slightly complex but not yet fully developed flavors. Buoyant acidity. A gastronomic wine.
Cantine Volpi. La Zerba. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 93 points.
Forward, dense, complex aromas of lemon grass, marshmallows, buttered toast and caramel. Lovely integration of tropical fruit flavors with acidity. Creamy mid palate with slight honey. Delicate and engaging wine. Pair with dover sole or risotto with lime.
Vigneti Repetto. Quadro. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92-93 points. €23.50. [Excellent Value ♫♫]
Clean, focused, coherent aromas including allspice, honey, citrics; slightly smoky. Crisp and forward flavors of green apples, white pears and mangos. Creamy, buoyant and well enfolded acidity.
Vigneti Repetto. Quadro. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2021. 91+-92 points. €28.00. [Excellent Value ♫♫]
No oak used in these wines. Aromas of caramel and cinnamon buns. Creamy, balanced, complex flavors that are layered and nutty.
Claudio Mariotto. Cavallina. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2021. 93+ points. €25.00.
From an 18 year old vineyard this 14.5% alcohol wine was made from a high heat vintage, which Timorasso thrives on. Brisk and slightly saline aromas with white florals, toast and apricots. In the mouth this is a honey powerhouse with mangos and nectarines. Lovely mouth feel, delicate flavors swimming on the tongue. Fresh acidity.
Oddero. Monlia. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 92+ – 93 points.
Bright acidic aromas—gin and tonic and green grass. Soft, gentle and delicate flavors of tropical citrics, slight honey and gingerbread.
Vignaioli Battegazzore. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92-93 points.
Light aromas of bright white flowers, lime and gooseberries. Creamy delight, slightly honeyed mid palate with fresh acidity and beautiful balance.
Cantine Volpi. La Zerba. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92 points.
Opulent honey express, as well as aromas of oranges and buttered toast. Balanced, sleek, creamy and slightly honeyed flavors that are delicate and toned down.
Pomodolce. Diletto. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92-93 points.
Powerful carmelized aromas of burn butter, orange peels, Crunchy bar and honeydew melon; slight rancio tones. Soft but expressive mid palate carmelized flavors, as well as honey and gingerbread, guava and lime. Complex.
Azienda Agricola Canevaro Luca. Ca Degli Olmi. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 93 points.
Distinct honey and caramel aromas—some toffee, fudge and banafee pie. Balanced and complex with crisp sleek acidity and crème brûlée flavors.
Cascina Gentile. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 93 points.
Aromas of a caramel and pecan bar, cinnamon buttered toast and orange slices—with freshness and complexity. A chewy assembly of flavors that include burnt sugar, honey, apricots and tropical fruits. Engaging, complex and layered.
Terre di Sarizzola. Biancornetto. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92+ points.
Fine, crisp, linear and focused citric aromas, as well as those of a rancio wine. Semblance of an orange wine here with complex flavors that include sherry, oranges, blueberries and buttered toast.
Davico Stefano. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2023. 93 points.
Smooth and honeyed flavors that include apricots and mandarins. 13.5% alcohol.
Davico Stefano. Regina. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91+-92
Honey and almonds, gingerbread and key lime pie in a pronounced set of aromas. Even slight red cherry juice. Semi complex invigorating blend of fresh and zesty tropical flavors with emerging slight hints of honey and caramel.
Vigneti Boveri Giacomo. Lacrima del Bricco. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92+ points.
Spunky and zesty citric aromas together with beautiful honey and key lime pie. Light, delicate and balanced citric flavors with slight spearmint on the finish.
Azienda Agricola Oltretorrente. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91+-92 points.
Quiet, almost hidden aromas include apricots and peaches. Delicate flavors of honey, herbal chamomile tea and mint. Engaging, light and distinct mid palate.
Vietti. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92+ – 93 points.
Honeysuckle and white flower aromas, as well as peaches and honey, minerality and slight salinity. Lovely honeyed and tropical fruit assembly for easy drinking as an apero with cheeses.
Poggio Paolo. Ronchetto. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91+-92 points.
Bright, distinct, ebullient set of sparky citric aromas that include passionfruit and lime tart, as well as menthol and wet granite. Flavors include honey and shortbread. Light, attractive, delicate, balanced and ethereal. Pair with cod or shrimp ravioli.
Tenuta Garaetto. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91+-92 points.
Hefty and pronounced aromas include slight caramel and honey, buttered toast and orange rind. Complex with citrics such as mandarins. Delightful and balanced mid palate flavors of honey and butterscotch. This is mid voyage between the transition from citric dominant to caramelized flavors.
Cascina Giambolino. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91-92 points.
Distinct and pronounced aromas include honeysuckle, honey, gingerbread, clover and menthol. Mid palate flavors include burnt sugar melded with buttered toast and mint. Slightly askew, as yet, meld of citric and carmelized flavors.
I Carpini. Rugiada del Mattino. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92 points.
Complex aromas of caramel and orange rind, cinnamon toast and lime tart. Flavors of lemon juice meets honey and buttered bread. Engaging and complex.
Azienda Agricola Mandirola Enrico. Tantei. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92+ points.
Light and wispy citric aromas of the gin and tonic cocktail named Derthonic that also includes Timorasso wine. Aromas include light taffy, buttered toast and guavas. Caramel meets lime juice. In the mouth—burnt sugar, shortbread, prunes, almonds and grapefruit. Enganging, lively, complex and dancing with acidity.
Valli Unite. Laguion. Spumante Metodo Classico di Timorasso. 90-91 points. €26.00. [Excellent Value ♫♫]
Distinct honey and limestone aromas and flavors include apple cider. Pair with toast with Montebore cheese and honey.
Valli Unite. Sanvito. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2020. 91 points. €34.00. [Good Value ♫]
Aromas of slight white pepper, orange rind and gooseberries. Easy drinking. Pair with focaccia and salami.
Valli Unite. Montesoro. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2020. 91-92 points.
Cloudy rose color. Aromas of cinnamon applesauce, white pears and peaches. Slight caramel mid palate. Pair with artichoke stuffed with hazelnuts.
Societa Cooperativa Valli Unite. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91+ – 92 points.
Deep golden color with rancio aromas and toast with butter as well as range rind. A complex and toasty orange tilted array of flavors with sparky acidity, slight all spice and ginger. Attractive and distinct.
Repetto. Origo. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2020. 92-93 points. €37.00. [Good Value ♫]
Light gold color in this wine with quiet aromas of honey and lime and succulent flavors with a long, elastic finish. Pair with lamb and mint sauce.
Vigneti Repetto. Origo. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2021. 92 points. €33.00. [Good Value ♫]
Aromas of citrics and honey. Crackling mouthful of flavors with honey and slight caramel.
Marina Coppi. Fausto. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 92-93 points.
Aromas include a meld of lime, citrics, smoke and caramel. Balanced and harmonious integration of citrics with honey and angel food cake. Highly engaging and easy to drink.
Claudio Mariotto. Cavalina. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91 points.
Aromas of citrics and honey. Engaging though as yet slightly disjointed flavors that include white pears and honey.
Azienda Agricola Fiordaliso. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91+ – 92 points.
Aromas of fresh cooked bread, angel food cake and tropical fruit citrics. Flavors include honey and gingerbread snap cookies.
Broglia. Colli Tortonesi DOC Derthona Timorasso. 2022. 91 points.
Light, frosty, approachable citircs and key lime pie and almonds, A fesh and zesty light and approachable wine. Slight caramel flavors. Complexity has not yet emerged.
