Vigneti Massa Derthona Sterpi 2022

Vigneti Massa sits in the hills of Monleale, in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont. Walter Massa is the winemaker credited with saving Timorasso, an indigenous white grape that had all but disappeared, and rebuilding the reputation of the Colli Tortonesi. Sterpi is a single-vineyard wine from one of his older parcels, farmed organically with minimal intervention. Timorasso is naturally structured and high in acid, and the calcareous clay soils of these hills give it weight and a saline, stony character. The wine is fermented and aged for ten months in stainless steel tanks, a choice that preserves fruit purity and lets the grape and site speak without oak; extended contact with the fine lees adds body and a waxy texture. The colour is deep straw. The nose moves from lemon and pear to white peach, honey and a beeswax note, with ginger and a mineral, flinty edge that grows with air. The palate is full and dry, carried by bright acidity and a long saline finish. This is a white built to age. Serve at around 11C, and decant an older bottle if you have time.