Piedmont, Italy
Vigneti Massa
When Walter Massa began to make native grape variety Timorasso his vocation in the 1980s, his neighbours thought he was crazy. It is down to his pioneering work that several other Piedmont growers are now cultivating the variety again.
Vigneti Massa comprises 30 hectares in a number of distinct vineyard areas. The Colli Tortonesi appellation straddles the hilltop town of Monleale Alto at elevations of between 200 and 300 metres. Its soil profile is varied (loam, chalk, stone, sand).
An authentic native variety
Timorasso is a rare Piedmontese white grape variety that needs a lot of tender loving care. It almost went extinct in the 1970s, when most local winegrowers deserted it in favour of higher-cropping, more popular varieties. Walter Massa, who has never been a slave to fashion, followed his instincts instead. This is the mindset that led him to bring in the first harvest for his single-varietal Timorasso in 1987, although it would take a few years before he was finally happy with quality of the wine. One thing that Walter has learned over the years is that his Timorassos always appreciate bottle ageing before they are released for sale. His wines have earned their place on the wine lists of top restaurants – not for their novelty value but because of their exceptional authenticity.
Barbera
Aside from Timorasso, Walter has also carved out a niche for himself with the red grape variety Barbera. He farms his vineyards meticulously and is committed to expressing the essence of the soil, giving his wines the time and attention they need to fulfil their full potential.
Wines from this producer
Italy
Piedmont
Piedmont basically means ‘at the foot of the mountain’, accurately describing the region’s geographical position framed by mountains on three sides. It is one of the world’s great wine regions. Over 100 grape varieties are permitted for winegrowing in Piedmont. Red grapes Nebbiolo and Barbera are responsible for many of the best wines.
