Timorasso
75cl * 13.5% ABV * Piemonte, Italy
Walter Massa labours tirelessly on the steep hills just east of Tortona, south-eastern Piemonte, growing some of the last few hectares of Timorasso in the world. Massa is the fourth-generation proprietor and is entirely responsible for saving the grape variety from extinction! An ancient variety with tiny yields and immense concentration, it is rarely known outside of wine trade geeks.
Shy in aroma, with a bit of coaxing it offers notes of red apple, stone fruit and tangerine. Creamy and slightly spicy, you might think there's oak - although there isn't. The texture here is a result of extended maceration on its lees, as well as some skin contact in the fermentation process. Broad and fresh with a flinty mineral streak, its tangerine and honey note will develop in bottle. Complex and versatile, we'd pair it with creamy risottos, rich carbonara or anything lavishly covered in truffles.
Serve around 12°C, a little time out of the fridge will allow flavours and aromas to open up for you to enjoy.