Variety
WhiteTimorasso
Rare variety · small plantings
Also known as: Timuassa, Morasso
White variety of the Colli Tortonesi in south-eastern Piemont, saved from disappearing in the 1980s; gives dense, mineral, age-worthy wines.
Portrait
Timorasso is an old white variety of the Colli Tortonesi in the far south-east of Piemont, near Tortona. Historically it was widespread there but declined sharply in the 20th century in favour of high-yielding varieties and was close to disappearing in the 1980s. The winemaker Walter Massa is regarded as the variety's rediscoverer; other local producers began planting it themselves in the late 1990s. Some wines carry the name Derthona, the Roman name of Tortona.
The vine buds early, ripens late and gives low yields; it prefers calcareous marl and clay soils on slopes. The berries have thick skins and plenty of extract. The wines are powerful and mineral, with quince, citrus and herb notes, with high acidity. With bottle age they gain depth and develop honey and petrol notes, similar to mature Riesling.
Timorasso goes with fish, poultry, pasta with vegetables and aged cheese and has good ageing potential.
Taste profile
Six axes — acidity, sweetness, body, tannin, aroma intensity and depth — on a 0–5 scale, based on typical style. Real wines vary by region and producer.
Typical aromas — Timorasso
These 7 aromas typically define Timorasso. Actual taste experience varies by region and style.
Quince
Citrus
Chamomile
Honey
Petrol (with age)
Almond
Herbs
Timorasso aroma families
These aroma categories are characteristic of Timorasso. Other varieties have different focuses.
Fruit aromas are the most common and come directly from the grape, ranging from citrus through stone fruit to black berries.
Herbal aromas can be finely aromatic (sage) or grassy – a stylistic feature in some varieties, ripeness indicator in others.
Mineral notes are considered terroir-typical, emerging from soil, acidity and pH.
Key regions
Timorasso is grown in the following regions of our atlas. Click to see wineries.