Fontanafredda Derthona Timorasso 2023

Fontanafredda Derthona Timorasso 2023 is a characterful white from the hills of Piedmont, crafted from the rediscovered Timorasso grape. It combines striking mineral tension with floral elegance, offering a white wine that is both refined and intense. Reviving the historic name “Derthona” (the old Latin name for Tortona), this wine pays tribute to one of Northern Italy’s most intriguing native varieties.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Derthona Timorasso 2023 shows a bright straw-yellow hue with subtle golden reflections, hinting at both freshness and depth. The nose is inviting and complex, weaving together white flowers, acacia blossom and chamomile with notes of ripe pear, yellow plum, citrus zest and a distinct, stony minerality. Gentle hints of honey, almond and a light herbal touch emerge as it opens. On the palate, this Timorasso is full-bodied for a white, with a firm, almost saline backbone that frames its generous fruit. Flavors of stone fruit, citrus, and crunchy green apple are layered with wet stone, beeswax and a faint nuttiness. The acidity is vibrant yet well-integrated, giving energy and length to the finish. Timorasso is known for its ability to age, and this 2023 vintage should develop additional complexity—more honeyed, nutty and tertiary notes—over the next 5–8 years, and potentially longer in ideal cellaring conditions.

Production
The grapes for Fontanafredda Derthona Timorasso 2023 come from the hills around Tortona in southeastern Piedmont, where calcareous-clay soils and well-ventilated slopes provide perfect conditions for this late-ripening variety. The terroir’s limestone-rich subsoils are key to the wine’s pronounced minerality and structure. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to ensure careful selection and preserve the delicate aromatics. In the cellar, Timorasso is vinified as a serious, ageworthy white: gentle pressing, cool fermentation to retain aromatics, and a period on the fine lees to build texture, complexity and longevity. Depending on the parcel and vintage, some tank or large-format wood may be used to enhance mouthfeel without masking the grape’s natural character.

Food & Serving
This Derthona Timorasso is an excellent match for rich seafood dishes such as scallops, lobster, monkfish or grilled octopus, as well as creamy risotto, poultry in light sauces, and veal or pork with herbs. It also shines alongside aged cheeses, semi-hard cow’s milk cheeses and truffle-inflected dishes—classic Piedmontese pairings. Serve at 10–12°C to balance freshness with aromatic expression. A brief decant of 15–30 minutes, or simply opening the bottle a bit before serving, helps the wine reveal its floral notes and layered minerality.

Producer
Fontanafredda is one of Piedmont’s most historic and storied estates, founded in the 19th century by Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II, in the heart of the Langhe. Long renowned for its Barolo and other classic Piedmontese reds, the winery has also become a reference point for high-quality whites from native varieties. With extensive vineyards, sustainable viticulture and a deep commitment to regional heritage, Fontanafredda plays a key role in preserving and elevating indigenous grapes like Timorasso. Their work with Derthona wines reflects both tradition and innovation, helping to bring this once nearly forgotten grape back to the international stage.