The hills around Tortona in Piedmont provide the backdrop for Colli Tortonesi DOC, an area covering around 200 hectares and the source of wines from a range of different red and white varieties.
“Characteristic lemon notes dominate the aromas, with giant notes of pear, melon and vanilla grass. Ripe, rich, attractive fruit forward palate with lifted acidity to compliment a chalky texture. Very pleasant herbal edge and potential to develop.”
“Light straw colour, intriguing grassy nose bolstered by tart yellow fruit. Aromatic. Very fresh, but fruit driven, with complexity and vibrancy. Very faint brioche. Lovely sharp, steely finish.”
“Gentle aromatic notes of white flower and stone fruit. Restrained and light on the palate too, but shows a nice mix of citrus, peach, blossom, and a slight sweet finish of brioche and cream. A simple, dry, structured finish.”
“Sweetish notes of brioche merges with ripe fruit. Some white flowers and peach. Soft, sapid palate. Delicate and elegant. Delicate, with a moderate finish.”
“Evolved nose, but still showing white flowers and brioche with a punch of exotic banana. It’s complex, with salinity, petrol and a touch of wild herb. Palate is juicy, but structured. A serious white wine demonstrating the potential of the variety and variation in vintage.”
“Simple floral nose, orchard fruit, faint honeysuckle. Slight almond note on the palate, nice citrus, mainly clean, lemon and lime notes, some grass. Solid structure. Very prevalent acidity. Good concentration of fruit on the finish.”
“Baked apple on those nose, slightly earthy, with some evolved autolytic character. Tiny hint of kerosine. Soft, mellow palate redolent of crab apple, white plum and quince. Some peach coming through too. Dry, gritty mineral finish. Gentle acidity.”
“Attractive herbal and floral notes dominate, notably sage, basil and camomile. There’s a depth and elegance to this, but with very zesty acidity. Balanced and well made with plenty of personality.”
“Attractive layers of spice and yellow tree fruit. Very pretty. Elegant with some body and power, creating a creamy phenolic palate. Excellent expression of Timorasso. Complex, balanced finish.”
Founded in the 1960s by Giuseppe Rivetti and his wife Lidia, La Spinetta has transcended its reputation for high quality wines from Moscato Bianco and is today known for its single vineyard wines in Barbaresco.
Based in Castiglione Falletto, the Vietti family produces a range of highly regarded Barolo wines as well as a number of other typical local wines from around the Langhe and the Roero areas of Piedmont.
Vitgneti is a relatively new producer of Barbera and Timorasso in the Colli Tortonesi appellation of southern Piedmont. The 15 hectare estate currently produces around 90,000 bottles a year.
