2013 Claudio Mariotto Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Pitasso DOC

Description

Claudio Mariotto is a leading producer of the Colli Tortonesi (Tortona) area in eastern Piemonte. Aside from delicious and distinctive Barbera’s, this area is home to an idigenous white variety, once nearing extinction, called Timorasso. This is certainly Piemonte’s finest white grape. The best examples have complex perfume, great length, structure and longevity. With 4 out of 5 consecutive Tre-Bicchierri awards and similar superlatives from AIS, Luca Maroni, et al, consensus seems to be forming around the idea that this is the best example. Mariotto’s Pitasso is his finest but we also have the second Cru called “Derthona”. It is a bigger wine, and perhaps a good stepping stone to wean those who are in a rut away from big whites, but not quite as fine. The Barbera is as distinctive as it is great.