What is Colli Tortonesi DOC?

Colli Tortonesi DOC is a Piedmont wine appellation that stretches across the sun-dappled hills around Tortona. The zone produces a wide range of wines—white, red, rosato, frizzante and spumante—but in recent decades it has become best known for Timorasso (often labeled Derthona), a near-lost white grape that now defines the area’s international reputation. Italian Wine CentralBKWine Magazine

History and Origins

Although the area has ancient viticultural roots, the DOC formalized Colli Tortonesi’s identity in the 1970s. The modern renaissance began when a small group of committed vignerons — most famously Walter Massa — rescued Timorasso from near extinction in the 1980s and turned it into an age-worthy white worthy of international attention. That revival sparked wider investment in the hills and a reappraisal of the region’s unique varieties. Italian Wine CentralBKWine Magazine

Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir

Colli Tortonesi sits in eastern Piedmont (Province of Alessandria), where Apennine influences meet a gentler, Mediterranean-tinged climate. Vineyards (200–450 m elevation) are planted on marl, clay and limestone terraces; the diurnal swings and mineral soils give Timorasso its characteristic freshness and nerve, and lend structure to Barbera and Dolcetto from the same hills. The local Consorzio (Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Tortonesi) actively promotes the Derthona identity and enotourism in all 46 communes of the denomination. collitortonesi.com

The Grape (or blend)

• Timorasso (Derthona) — thick-skinned, naturally high acidity, ageworthy; citrus, white flower, stone fruit, honey and flint with maturity. BKWine Magazine
  
• Barbera & Dolcetto — Piedmont staples here with brighter fruit and good acidity.
  
• Cortese, Favorita, Moscato and selected international varieties appear in small amounts. (Colli Tortonesi DOC is unusually diverse in permitted grapes.) Italian Wine Central
  

Winemaking & DOC Regulations

• DOC established: 1973 (officially recognized region). Italian Wine Central
  
• Styles allowed: still white, still red, rosato, frizzante, spumante, varietal Timorasso/Derthona, and Riserva categories for some reds/whites.
  
• Producers use everything from classic stainless steel aging (to preserve freshness) to barrel aging and skin contact experiments for textured, long-lived whites.
  

Key Facts at a Glance

• Region: Piedmont (Province of Alessandria)
  
• DOC since: 1973. Italian Wine Central
  
• Signature grape: Timorasso (Derthona)
  
• Secondary grapes: Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese, Favorita, Moscato, Nebbiolo in small pockets
  
• Area / production: hundreds of hectares across 46 communes (see Consorzio). collitortonesi.com
  

Tasting Notes (snippet-friendly)

• Timorasso (young): lemon peel, green apple, white flowers, saline minerality.
  
• Timorasso (aged): honey, almond skin, dried citrus, petrol-like complexity, waxy texture. BKWine Magazine
  
• Barbera: bright cherries, plum, lifted acidity, gentle spice.
  
• Dolcetto & rosato: juicy red fruit, soft tannins, fresh finish.
  

Serving & Pairing (step-by-step)

1. Chill Timorasso to 10–12°C for best aromatics.
   
2. Decant older bottlings (10+ years) briefly to open tertiary notes.
   
3. Glassware: medium white glass for Timorasso; tulip red glass for Barbera.
   
4. Food matches: Timorasso → aged cheeses, risottos with butter/cream, seafood in richer sauces; Barbera → tomato-based pastas, roast pork, charcuterie. BKWine Magazine
   

Timorasso vs Gavi — quick comparison table (useful for searches like “Timorasso vs Gavi”)

Feature	Timorasso (Derthona)	Gavi (Cortese)
Body	Medium–full, ageworthy	Light–medium, fresh
Acidity	High, firm	High, crisp
Primary notes	Stone fruit, honey, flint	Citrus, white flowers
Ageability	Excellent	Generally drink young
Typical soils	Clay, marl, limestone	Calcareous, clay

Top 5 Colli Tortonesi Producers to Try Now (commercial intent / shopping cues)

1. Vigneti Massa — pioneer: early Timorasso bottlings that set the standard. Regal Wine Co
   
2. Luigi Boveri — high-quality Timorasso cru and recognized vintages. boveriluigi.com
   
3. La Colombera — terraced sites and long-aged whites. BKWine Magazine
   
4. La Spinetta (selected Derthona labels) — larger name investing in Timorasso bottlings. Wine-Searcher
   
5. Broglia / Vietti / other regional names — select bottlings listed on merchant platforms. Wine-Searcher+1
   

How to Age Timorasso (step-by-step) — featured snippet friendly

1. Store at 12–14°C, stable humidity ~60–70%.
   
2. Lay bottles horizontally away from light.
   
3. Taste at 3-5 year intervals; many good bottlings show peak complexity at 8–15 years. BKWine Magazine
   

Where to Buy & Pricing (expanded)

• Price ranges: everyday Timorasso/Derthona $25–$45; premium single-vineyard or Riserva bottlings $50–$120+. Barbera/Dolcetto from the zone commonly range $12–$30. Wine-Searcher+1
  
• Retailers: Wine-Searcher listings for Vietti, La Spinetta, Vigneti Massa and others show broad international availability — a good first stop for pricing and merchant links. Wine-Searcher
  
• Buy tip: look for “Derthona” on the label (Timorasso) and check merchant notes for vintage comments and critic scores.
  

Vintage Guide & Collectibility

• Recent vintages (good for aging): notable high-score Timorasso vintages have appeared in the 2010s and early 2020s — collectors should target single-vineyard Derthona and Riserva styles. Refer to critic pages on Wine-Searcher for benchmark scores and price history. Wine-Searcher
  

FAQ on Colli Tortonesi DOC

• 1: Who saved Timorasso?
  A: Walter Massa is widely credited with rescuing and championing Timorasso in modern times.BKWine MagazineKerin O’Keefe #KOwine
• 2: What does “Derthona” mean?
  A: Derthona is the ancient name for Tortona and is commonly used on Timorasso labels to emphasize local identity.BKWine Magazine
• 3: Is Timorasso ageworthy?
  A: Yes — many fine Timorasso bottles evolve beautifully for 10+ years.BKWine Magazine
• 4: How is Colli Tortonesi different from other Piedmont areas?
  A: It’s less Nebbiolo-centric and more about unique whites (Timorasso) and value-driven reds like Barbera.Italian Wine Central
• 5: What’s a good Timorasso under $40?
  A: Look for Vigneti Massa or La Spinetta “Piccolo Derthona” listings on merchant sites.Wine-Searcher+1
• 6: Where can I visit?
  A: The Consorzio and local “Strada del Vino” list wineries, events and Derthona tasting previews.collitortonesi.comTerre Derthona

Fun Facts & Cultural Notes

• The Consorzio often stages Derthona previews and events to showcase Timorasso’s rise. Slow Food
  
• Local cuisine — tajarin, agnolotti, aged cheeses and piadina — pairs beautifully with the region’s wines.
  
• Colli Tortonesi has become a destination for sommeliers and collectors seeking unique Italian whites.

Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages 
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta  

Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Piedmont.