Ricci, Colli Tortonesi, Piedmont
Ricci is the estate of the idiosyncratic winemaker Daniele Ricci in the Colli Tortonesi, in the southeast of Piedmont. Here, he is breathing new life into Timorasso, a rare local white grape known for its power, minerality, and remarkable ability to age beautifully.
Timorasso from the hills around Tortona
The vineyards are situated on hills at an altitude of up to approximately 300 meters, on soils rich in limestone and tuff. Following the phylloxera crisis, Timorasso had almost disappeared because many winemakers opted for easier-to-grow varieties. Daniele Ricci was among the small group of wine producers who re-embraced the potential of this grape.
Natural and unhurried
Ricci farms organically and as naturally as possible. The wines ferment with indigenous yeasts and are generally neither fined nor filtered. He uses sulfite very sparingly. Depending on the wine, Ricci works with stainless steel, wooden barrels, amphorae, and bottle aging. Skin contact gives his white wines extra structure, color, and complexity.
Derthona: Timorasso with character
Derthona is the ancient Roman name for the city of Tortona. Ricci’s Derthona is a rich, dry white natural wine made from Timorasso with brief skin contact. Expect notes of nuts, herbs, dried apricot, and antique apple, with fresh acidity and fine grip.