Cascina San Leto sits at the heart of Colli Tortonesi in southeast Piemonte, where Daniele Ricci—fourth-generation farmer—works 8ha of certified-organic vines planted by his grandparents in 1929. Back then, Timorasso ruled these steep calcareous hills alongside Barbera, but phylloxera and easier grapes like Cortese nearly erased it by the late 20th century. Daniele converted to full estate winemaking in 1986, joining pioneers like Walter Massa to resurrect this ancient variety when plantings dwindled to a few hectares. Organic since 2017, he farms by hand with wild ferments, skin contact, minimal sulfur, and neutral vessels—adapting to the land’s rhythm, never forcing it. “His terroir and Timorasso are inseparable,” Daniele insists, bottling multiple expressions from elevation-specific plots to reveal the grape’s full power.

Timorasso defies Italian white wine norms: no light, neutral quaffer here, but a full-bodied beast with high extract, firm acidity, and 10+ year aging potential—Italy’s “White Barolo” for its brooding structure and minerality. The 2023 Ricci “Derthona” Colli Tortonesi—100% Timorasso—sees 3 days skin contact for phenolic grip, then native fermentation and lees aging in steel/acacia. From sun-drenched southwest-facing slopes of calcareous clay, it pours light gold with ripe apricot, honeyed stone fruit, flint, and spice. Powerful yet precise palate of citrus peel, saline herbs, and chalky drive builds to a long, structured finish—warm vintage generosity meets low-yield concentration.

Why You'll Love It

• Resurrection story: Fourth-gen organic pioneer saves near-extinct “White Barolo,” turning forgotten hills into ageworthy gold.

• Terroir heavyweight: Calcareous clay delivers flinty power and structure rivaling top Riesling or white Burgundy.

• Value king: Serious extract and 10-year cellar potential at half the price of elite whites.

How to Serve It

• Temperature: 50–54°F; fridge 30 minutes, pull early.

• Glassware: White Burgundy stem; decant 20–30 minutes.

• Pairings: Roast chicken, risotto ai funghi, grilled fish, white anchovies; holds through 2033+.