It’s an early, high-quality harvest in Colli Tortonesi
Timorasso Consolidates its growth
To protect quality and support the development of the denomination’s flagship wine, the Consorzio has introduced a freeze on new planting authorizations.
The harvest in the Colli Tortonesi began the week after Ferragosto with Moscato and Dolcetto, followed in the same period by Timorasso destined for the entry-level wine of the Derthona world, which generally requires less structure and a lower alcohol content. These days, picking is underway for the lots destined for Derthona and Derthona Riserva.
“This is a decidedly early harvest for this variety, even compared to the early vintages of recent years,” comments Gian Paolo Repetto, president of the Consorzio, “and we expect it to be completed by the first ten days of September. This year the grapes reached ripeness in particularly good health conditions, without significant disease issues.”
As for the other varieties, Barbera and Cortese are currently completing ripening and picking should begin shortly. The harvest will then conclude with Croatina which, in the aging-style interpretation typical of the Colli Tortonesi, needs to reach a more advanced ripeness, especially to achieve fully mature, softer tannins.
Despite the marked early start to the season, quality prospects are very positive. “After the recent rains, the grapes seem to have regained excellent balance and, considering the analytical parameters and the near-perfect health of the clusters, we expect wines of great quality.”
From a quantity standpoint the situation also appears balanced, despite a vintage marked by high temperatures starting as early as May, with numerous days above 35°C.
Timorasso, the market, and its growth
2026 represents a significant milestone for Timorasso in the Colli Tortonesi. Planted area has now surpassed 500 hectares, continuing a steady growth trajectory that started from roughly 100 hectares in 2016. Over the same period, the number of companies belonging to the Consorzio has grown from about 40 to 120.
“This has been growth accompanied both by the development of historically established local producers and by significant investments from leading wineries in the Piedmontese wine landscape. This balance between local businesses and new investment,” Repetto continues, “has so far allowed for significant yet substantially orderly development of the denomination.“
Precisely in order to allow for a phase of consolidation, the Consorzio, in agreement with trade associations, has decided that for the next planning cycle it will zero out eligibility for new plantings. This choice aims to ensure balance between production and market, supporting the denomination’s growth through responsible planning consistent with the evolution of demand. Expected production increases in the coming years will in fact come from hectares already authorized previously that will gradually enter production, not from further expansion of planted area.
“We are among the few Italian denominations that, in recent years, despite a difficult context for the sector, have recorded steady growth. A success we owe in large part to Derthona Timorasso, a wine increasingly recognized and appreciated for its identity and quality, which today accounts for 60% of volumes and 95% in actual weight.”
For Timorasso there is currently no inventory (oversupply) problem. In 2024, 800,000 bottles were produced, rising to approximately 1,750,000 bottles in 2025. The system is currently in balance because demand continues to grow and absorbs supply.
“Under the production specification, Derthona,” Repetto concludes, “can only be sold after at least one year of aging, which physiologically generates high cellar stocks. Stock levels are also increasing because the denomination is in strong production growth. However, one must distinguish between technical stocks—due to mandatory aging—and market stocks, which would instead indicate a slowdown in sales, something that does not affect this type of wine.”