2007 Derthona, Colli Tortonesi, La Colombera, Piedmont

The wines from Colombera are an exciting find. Made using the indigenous local grape Timorasso, arguably the region’s finest white varietal, this is a bone dry, refreshing alternative to the likes of Soave or Gavi di Gavi. There's no wood in sight here - made entirely in stainless steel but aged on its lees for nine months before bottling. There is a steely depth on the mid-palate, and a touch of bready complexity on the finish. Enjoy this in its vibrant youth.
(Philip Moulin, BBR Fine Wine Specialist)

The Semino family estate, La Colombera, is one of Piedmont’s rising stars. Based in the village of Vho, among the pretty, calcareous clay hills of Tortona, it’s a third generation, 22 ha property planted with the white grape Timorasso and the red grapes Barbera, Croatina and Dolcetto. The flagship wines, Derthona (approx. 1000 cases/annum) is made from the Timorasso grape, an indigenous grape rightly being revived. The wine sees no oak, nor undergoes any malolactic conversion; the style being somewhere between Savennieres and Chablis.
(David Berry Green BBR Buyer)

Clear and bright with a mid lemon core and a pale rim. The nose displays a sweetly fragrant note reminiscient of rhubarb and a lightly floral note as well. The palate is bone dry with a medium body and zippy acidity. The flavour characters in the mouth include gooseberry and rhubarb and there is a mineral edge to this wine that lends interest to it. This is a happy marriage of fleshy fruit and crisp structure. A long finish rounds it off. Different and unusual this is an interesting alliance of tongue tingling acidity and an appealing fruit character. This would be a good match to winter salads or as something different to serve to friends who love light Italian whites but normally go for the more common Pinot Grigio. Serve chilled at 11˚C.
(Katie Cooper, Wine Club Manager)