Oddero Derthona Timorasso Monlia 2023

Oddero Derthona Timorasso Monlia 2023 showcases one of Italy’s most intriguing white grapes in the hands of a historic Barolo estate. This is a characterful, gastronomic white with depth, structure and a distinctly Piedmontese personality. Combining mountain freshness with a textural, almost red-wine-like presence on the palate, it’s a standout choice for those seeking something beyond the usual Italian whites.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 Timorasso Monlia shows a luminous straw-yellow color with green highlights that hint at its youthful vibrancy. The nose is immediately expressive, offering layers of ripe citrus, yellow plum, and quince, interwoven with white flowers, wild herbs, crushed stone and a subtle almond note. On the palate, this Timorasso is both generous and taut: concentrated stone fruit and citrus are supported by racy acidity and a firm mineral backbone. There is a gentle phenolic grip that adds structure and a lingering savory finish with hints of honey, chamomile and saline minerality. While already enjoyable in its youth, Timorasso is known for its aging potential; over the next 5–8 years (and often longer), it can evolve toward more complex notes of dried fruit, nuts and beeswax while retaining its freshness.

Production
Sourced from hillside vineyards in the Derthona area of Piedmont, the Timorasso vines grow on calcareous-clay and marl soils that naturally enhance minerality and acidity. Grapes are carefully hand-harvested to ensure optimal ripeness and selection in the vineyard. In the cellar, Oddero vinifies Timorasso with a focus on clarity and terroir expression: gentle pressing, a controlled fermentation in stainless steel or neutral vessels, and extended contact on fine lees to build texture, complexity and age-worthiness, while avoiding overt oak influence.

Food & Serving
This is a superb food wine that pairs beautifully with richer seafood dishes such as seared scallops, roasted monkfish, or seafood risotto, as well as poultry, rabbit, veal in light sauces, and alpine cheeses. It also complements truffle dishes, mushroom-based pastas and herb-driven vegetable cuisine. Serve chilled but not too cold, ideally around 10–12°C (50–54°F), to allow the aromatics and texture to fully open. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes can help the wine unfold its layered aromatics, especially as it gains a bit of bottle age.

Producer
Oddero is one of the classic, historic names of Piedmont, with roots in the Langhe dating back to the 18th century. Revered for its traditionally crafted Barolo and Barbaresco, the estate has long been a benchmark for authenticity and terroir-driven wines in the region. In recent years, Oddero has expanded its focus to include whites such as Timorasso, embracing this revived native variety from the Colli Tortonesi as a compelling complement to its Nebbiolo-based reds. The combination of deep regional know-how, meticulous vineyard work and a restrained, traditionalist philosophy has earned Oddero a respected place among Piedmont’s most important producers.