Timorasso
Also known as: Timoraccio, Timuassa
Timorasso
Quick Facts
- Berry Color: Green-yellow
- Skin Thickness: Medium-thick
- Ripening: Late
- Vigor: Low
- Yield: Low
- Character: Complex, mineral, age-worthy
- Renaissance: Walter Massa revival (1990s)
Overview
Timorasso is Piedmont’s most age-worthy white grape variety, producing complex, mineral wines that challenge assumptions about Italian white wine potential. Nearly extinct by the 1980s, the variety was saved by Walter Massa in the Colli Tortonesi hills, where it produces wines often compared to white Burgundy for their structure, complexity, and cellar-worthiness. Unlike most Italian whites meant for early consumption, quality Timorasso improves for 10-20+ years. For enologists, Timorasso represents important study in age-worthy white wine production and the successful revival of nearly-lost varieties.
Etymology and History
Name Origin
Timorasso: Etymology uncertain
Alternative: May relate to local dialect
Historical Development
- Ancient cultivation in Colli Tortonesi
- Once important variety
- Near extinction by 1980s (~10 hectares)
- Walter Massa revival began 1987
- Modern renaissance; growing recognition
- Now ~100+ hectares; expanding
The Walter Massa Story
Crisis Point: Variety nearly lost
Hero: Walter Massa; visionary producer
Method: Replanting; quality focus
Result: World-class wines; variety saved
Viticulture
Vine Characteristics
Growth Habit: Weak; low vigor
Leaf Shape: Small to medium
Cluster: Small; compact
Berry: Small; thick-skinned
Growing Requirements
Climate: Continental; warm days; cool nights
Soil Preference: Limestone, clay-calcareous
Altitude: 250-400 meters typical
Challenge: Low yields; demanding cultivation
Phenological Stages
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bud break | Mid-April |
| Flowering | Early June |
| Véraison | Early August |
| Harvest | October (late) |
Cultivation Demands
Yield: Naturally very low
Management: Careful attention required
Result: Concentrated; complex wines
Wine Profile
Appearance
- Color: Deep straw to gold
- Intensity: Rich; full
- Evolution: Develops with age; deepens
Aromatic Profile
Primary Aromas:
- Citrus (lemon, grapefruit)
- Stone fruit (peach, apricot)
- White flowers
- Mineral (flint, chalk)
- Almond
Secondary/Tertiary:
- Honey
- Hazelnut
- Toast
- Dried fruit
- Petrol notes (aged)
Palate Characteristics
Structure:
- Medium to full body
- Good acidity
- Phenolic texture
- Complex, layered
Texture: Rich; textured; substantial
Finish: Very long; mineral; persistent
Regional Expression
Colli Tortonesi DOC
Status: Primary appellation
Area: Eastern Piedmont; Alessandria province
Derthona
Denomination: Traditional name for Timorasso wines
Significance: Identity marker
Quality: Benchmark designation
Winemaking Considerations
Fermentation
Temperature: Moderate
Duration: Extended (often)
Vessel: Steel, concrete, or oak
Goal: Complexity; structure
Skin Contact
Approach: Sometimes brief maceration
Effect: Adds texture; phenolic richness
Oak Treatment
Options: Steel only to barrel fermented
Impact: Adds complexity; weight
Duration: 6-18 months if used
Aging Potential
Young (1-3 years): Tight; primary
Developing (3-10 years): Opening; complexity
Mature (10-20+ years): Peak; profound
Food Pairing
Matches
Cuisine:
- Rich fish dishes
- White meat
- Aged cheeses
- Truffle dishes (regional specialty)
- Pasta with cream sauces
Character: Needs substantial food
Temperature
Serving: 12-14°C (warmer than typical white)
Key Producers
Quality Leaders
Walter Massa: Revival pioneer; benchmark
La Colombera: Excellent quality
Claudio Mariotto: Quality producer
Vigneti Massa: Multiple expressions
Growing Number
Various estates: Increasing plantings
Market Position
Production Statistics
Plantings: ~100+ hectares (growing)
Trend: Rapid expansion
Limitation: Small volumes; high demand
Pricing
| Level | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Entry | €18-28 |
| Quality | €28-45 |
| Premium | €40-70+ |
Market Position
Recognition: Growing critical acclaim
Challenge: Limited availability
Value: Exceptional for quality
Comparison with Age-Worthy Whites
| Wine | Region | Body | Aging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timorasso | Piedmont | Medium-full | 10-20+ years |
| White Burgundy | France | Medium-full | 10-20+ years |
| Fiano di Avellino | Campania | Medium | 8-15 years |
| Ribolla (macerated) | Friuli | Full | 10-20+ years |
Position
Quality Level: World-class
Style: Unique; mineral; complex
The Revival Model
Success Factors
Vision: Individual commitment (Massa)
Quality: Focus on excellence
Market: Growing demand for unique varieties
Lesson: Endangered varieties can succeed
Implications
Other Varieties: Model for revival
Investment: Time and dedication required
Result: Can achieve premium positioning
Conclusion
Timorasso represents one of Italian wine’s great revival stories—a variety saved from extinction that has become Piedmont’s finest age-worthy white grape. For enologists, Timorasso demonstrates that exceptional white wines can emerge from unexpected places when vision and dedication combine with suitable terroir. The variety’s capacity for extended aging challenges assumptions about Italian white wine, while its success shows how single-minded commitment can rescue valuable wine heritage. As plantings expand and recognition grows, Timorasso deserves its place alongside the world’s great white wine grapes.
References
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- Bastianich, J. & Lynch, D. (2005). “Vino Italiano.” Clarkson Potter. Publisher Link
- VIVC Database. Variety Information.
Last updated: January 13, 2026