Walter Massa, a pioneering and intrepid independent winemaker, has been heralded as the savior of timorasso, an indigenous grape variety that was on the brink of extinction. Owing to his unwavering commitment, not only has he resurrected this varietal, but he has also dramatically transformed the vinicultural landscape of the DOC Colli Tortonesi in Piemonte, Italy. Within his 23-hectare estate nestled in the hills of Monleale, in the province of Alessandria, Massa cultivates the vineyards with scrupulous care and minimal intervention, resulting in a collection of wines celebrated for their distinctive minerality and unmistakable character.
Hailing from a vineyard named Sterpi, he introduces Vigneti Massa Derthona Sterpi, a white wine crafted from timorasso vines over 10 years old, rooted in limestone and clay-rich soils at an elevation of 280 meters above sea level. Cultivated organically, the vineyard management adheres to the natural cycles, and the harvest and selection are carried out manually at the peak of ripeness. In the winery, the alcoholic fermentation is conducted exclusively with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats. Subsequently, the wine matures on fine lees for 10 months to refine in the same vessels.
A maestro of Italian oenology, Walter Massa delights us with Vigneti Massa Derthona Sterpi, an exceptional white wine that encapsulates the soul of its vineyard and showcases the revitalized timorosso variety.