Wines Colli Tortonesi Roagna - Montemarzino Derthona - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Roagna’s Cuvée Montemarzino Derthona 2020 comes from the delicate hills of Colli Tortonesi in Piedmont, a region more widely celebrated for its red wines but increasingly renowned for its exceptional whites. This wine is crafted predominantly from Timorasso, an indigenous grape revived to distinction in recent decades. The 2020 vintage benefited from a balanced season, allowing for slow ripening and the development of remarkable aromatic complexity. Roagna, known for its meticulous, non-interventionist winemaking, approaches Timorasso with particular care, favouring natural fermentation and extended lees ageing, resulting in a wine of depth and textural nuance.

The Colli Tortonesi area, nestled in southeastern Piedmont, enjoys a unique microclimate. Influenced by both the Ligurian Apennines and continental conditions, the region experiences cool nights and warm days, encouraging freshness and vibrant acidity. Soils here are primarily composed of calcareous clay with marine fossils, lending a marked mineral backbone to the wines. Historically a crossroads for trade, Colli Tortonesi’s winemaking tradition stretches back centuries. Recent decades have seen a renaissance of Timorasso, making the region a rising star among Italy’s white wine appellations.

Cuvée Montemarzino Derthona is particularly food-friendly thanks to its subtle floral notes, persistent citrus fruit, and savoury, mineral-driven finish. It pairs beautifully with seafood risottos, lemon-dressed crab, or grilled langoustines. For a regional touch, try it alongside agnolotti del plin with sage butter or veal tonnato. The wine’s structure and depth also stand up well to dishes like roasted guinea fowl or creamy polenta with truffles.

To best appreciate this wine’s finesse and complexity, serve it lightly chilled at 10-12°C. If served too cold, some of the delicate aromatics and minerality may be lost; conversely, as the wine warms slightly in the glass, it will reveal additional layers and an appealing, almost saline finish. In magnum format, this wine promises even greater expressiveness and ageing potential.