Vineyard and terroir

The grapes come from the upper part of Monleale in the Colli Tortonesi. Viberti Giovanni has 9.5 hectares here, extending along the road between Monleale and Montemarzino. The vineyard area faces east to southeast and has light, clay-rich soils with a good limestone presence. The harvested grapes are identified with an elevation of 350 m, while the broader vineyard holding is described at 400 m.

This sector of the Val Curone is the historic home of Timorasso. Derthona takes its name from the ancient Latin name of Tortona, the urban centre at the heart of the four valleys where the variety has traditionally been cultivated.

Grapes

100% Timorasso. The variety is described as an old, rare native white grape of Piedmont whose complexity develops with extended bottle maturation.

Vinification

For the 2024 wine, harvesting began on 9 September. The fruit is carried from Monleale to the winery in Barolo in a refrigerated truck. Pneumatic pressing is followed by cold settling, then fermentation at 12°C for 10–14 days. After fermentation, the wine remains on its fine lees in the same tank.

Malolactic fermentation does not take place, owing to the storage temperature together with the high acidity and low pH associated with the grapes.

Ageing

Maturation continues on fine lees for approximately 10–12 months. The lees and wine are stirred at least once a week through bâtonnage. Several months of bottle ageing allow the aromatic profile to gain complexity, while mineral and hydrocarbon characteristics become more distinct after three to four years.

Technical data

The 2024 vintage is Colli Tortonesi DOC and was the fourth release following the inaugural 2021 vintage. It has 12.5% alcohol by volume and total acidity of 6.4 g/L.

Tasting profile

The colour is straw yellow during the first three to four years, developing toward gold with age. Young examples show white peach, acacia blossom, hawthorn, candyfloss and honey. With several years in bottle, mineral and hydrocarbon notes become increasingly prominent, adding depth and character.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 14°C. The wine has an indicated ageing capacity of more than 15 years.

Vintage notes

The 2024 technical values are 12.5% alcohol and 6.4 g/L total acidity, with harvesting beginning on 9 September. The climatic text attached to this vintage describes a mild winter, a cool and regular spring, and a very hot, dry summer interrupted by useful rainfall. Sunny September days and nights with limited temperature variation supported the development of Timorasso's structure.

Blend proportions vary by vintage. Latest published composition: 100% Timorasso.

Label / history

“Derthona” is the ancient Latin name of Tortona and expresses the wine's connection with its place of origin. Timorasso was already cultivated in the Middle Ages. Its revival around Monleale began during the 1980s, with the area becoming central to the variety's modern renaissance.