Timorasso is one of Italy’s most interesting wines. In recent years, the grape has acquired a cult following among wine lovers. The somms love it, your trend-setting friends love it, and there are tons of reasons why you’re going to love it too.
When I put my wine copywriter hat on, and try to get a little metaphorical, I like to think of Timorasso as the California Condor of wine. Here’s why: this white wine grape, which comes from Italy’s Piedmont region, was brought back from the verge of extinction by a man so passionate about its qualities that he singlehandedly saved it – just like those massive birds that were almost lost to history.
The wine has such a cool story, and it tastes even better. Keep reading to see why this Piedmontese grape is so captivating.
What is Timorasso?
Timorasso is an Italian white wine grape that is native to Piedmont’s Colli Tortonesi DOC. The grape was a hair away from going extinct, and it likely would have, if Italian winemaker Walter Massa hadn’t stepped in in the 1980s and nurtured a few acres of vines, and then propagated clippings from those vines to other vineyard sites in the region.
What does Timorasso taste like?
Here’s the cool thing about this grape: it produces full-bodied white wines that are also acidic, and have streaks of minerality. Timorasso tastes like tropical fruit, sun-kissed citrus, honey and a bounty of wildflowers, and even zingy ginger. Some people compare Timorasso to dry Riesling, and they aren’t wrong.
If you’re an acid-loving wine drinker (like me!), don’t be put off by the idea that this is a full-bodied wine. It’s not one of those flabby whites that just sort of flops around in your mouth leaving you expecting more; be prepared for it to zip and zing around your palate, and leave you feeling dazzled.
Why the heck is this wine so popular?
There’s no doubt about it: this white wine from Piedmont has an “It Factor” in the wine world. Because the grape hasn’t been widely available in recent years, that whole hard-to-get-your-hands-on-it thing really catapulted this wine to the top of sommeliers must-have lists.
But, besides scarcity versus demand, the wines that the grape produces are good.
Which bottle is right for you?
I’ve tried the La Spinetta Timorasso, the Vietti, and the Ezio Poggio “Caespes” bottling. But, my current favorite is La Colombera from the “Queen of Timorasso”, Elisa Semino.
Most bottles cost between $28 to $40 a bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you buy Timorasso wine?
Timorasso wines from Piedmont are not as obscure as they used to be. In most major cities you can walk into a bottle shop and find a bottle by Vietti, La Colombera, La Spinetta, Claudio Mariotto, or Giacomo Borgogno. And, as of late 2023, you can now find Timorasso made in Sonoma County! Available through the Idlewild Wine Club.
If you don’t have a reliable wine retailer near you, try SommSelect or Wine.com.
What foods pair well with Timorasso?
These wines are acidic, but structured, which makes them incredibly food-friendly. Pair this wine with charcuterie boards, seafood, or pasta with cream or olive-oil based sauces.