Walter Massa

The Barbera vines for Sentieri are over 30 years old and grow at an altitude of around 300 metres on predominantly calcareous soils in the natural amphitheatre of Monleale. It is the complete opposite of an opulent, dense style. Sentieri has a wonderful Italian freshness and is 100% focussed on the primary fruit of the Barbera grape. It presents plenty of race and a personality that is elegantly restrained and very balanced. For us, this is Barbera in its purest form and here Walter Massa impressively proves that he is not only capable of top performance with the white Timorasso. And once again we are more than impressed by the excellent value of his wines. SUPERIORE.DE

Timorasso – once almost forgotten, today one of the most exciting white wines in Piedmont. Piccolo Derthona is Walter Massa's introduction to this fascinating grape variety, but there is no question of a simple base. The wine comes from the hillside vineyards around Monleale, where clay and limestone on ancient sea beds create a microclimate that favours cool fruit and mineral tension. The wine is traditionally matured in stainless steel, with long maturation on the fine lees – for structure, clarity and character.

What would Piedmont be without its slightly sparkling red Freisa? Normally, the Piedmontese tend to enjoy these incredibly drinkywines themselves, so that there is hardly any relevant quantity left for export. On the nose, it has an animating aroma of rose petals, cinnamon and cherry, which is also reflected in the flavour. L'Avvenata is a rather slender red that is remotely reminiscent of a Nebbiolo. Its softer tannins and greater fruitiness make it a joyful and very lively companion for all occasions, even when slightly chilled at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

The single-varietal Croatina Pertichetta presents itself in a medium-deep ruby garnet. In the full bouquet we discover fleshy notes, clove, untanned leather and dark chocolate tones. On the palate, initially with a nice balance, crisp tannins take over in the middle course (when young), before the long finish with present, ripe sour cherry tones and a beguiling depth. Not a wine for everyday entertainment, but a complex, powerful and extremely serious red, which should ideally be treated with the necessary seriousness only in a few years - reward guaranteed! SUPERIORE.DE

The finest plots around Monleale, from which the grapes for the Derthona Timorasso are sourced, cover just 11 hectares. They are situated in the Apennine and pre-Apennine hills of the Marca Obertenga, where the soils consist mainly of marl and clay-rich layers. The deep bouquet reveals notes of green and yellow fruit, candied orange, graphite, mint and a hint of camomile. On the palate, it unfolds in a straightforward manner, with that certain exotic quality, its pleasantly fresh acidity and fine tannins leading into a long finish with an attractive, Chinotto-like bitterness from citrus peel and a mineral undertone. The 12-month contact with the lees during fermentation in stainless steel ensures that it gains depth and complexity with every year of further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

Monleale is a rich, intoxicating wine. Medium ruby-garnet in colour, the bouquet has a subtle sweetness, dried cherry, balsamic notes and clove. On the palate, spicy and earthy undertones support its precise core of dense red cherry and plum fruit, while it briskly presents a powerful and pleasantly savoury style that is ideal for the dining table. Monleale has plenty of personality and character, and its persistence and longevity make it one of the most profound and intense Barbera wines to be found in this price range. SUPERIORE.DE

Walter Massa's single-vineyard Timorasso Montecitorio is produced through cold maceration lasting approximately 40 hours, followed by fermentation in stainless-steel tanks for approximately 12 months, during which the lees are stirred regularly for approximately 12 months.

Walter Massa's single-vineyard Timorasso Costa del Vento is made by a cold maceration of about 40 hours, a subsequent fermentation of about 12 months in stainless steel tanks under regular batonnage of the yeast for about 12 months. It is stronger and richer than the basic Timorasso and therefore needs more attention and further bottle ageing.