Born out of the passion of a young family-
Oltretorrente came into existence when husband-and-wife team Michele Conoscente and Chiara Penati purchased just 1.5 hectares of land on the smooth hills of Piedmont's Tortona. Michele had studied oenology at the University of Milan when he met Chiara, with whom he purchased his first vineyard sites. The project began with small plots of indigenous varietals cultivated organically to create artisanal wines that reflect the history and place. Today, the winery remains a boutique operation, cultivating grapes across 5 hectares, divided into eight vineyard sites. Growing Cortese, Flavorita, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Timorasso Derthona exclusively, Michele and Chiara work painstakingly to produce wines that express the area's unique terroir while incorporating their modern winemaking approach.
At a time when many winemakers in Italy are choosing to work for larger, more secure wineries, a select few stand out. Winemakers Michele and Chiara are a step ahead of the curve, deciding to stay away from the corporate wine world and instead make small-production, artisanal wines. Organically grown, carefully harvested, and diligently observed throughout the vinification process, these wines are not unique but loudly reflect their place of origin.
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Each wine reflects this unique region of Piedmont, where the soil is rich in limestone, calcified skeletal fragments, and fossilized shells. Growing 300 meters above sea level in vineyards with northern and southern exposure, the grapes ripen with optimal sun exposure and climatic influence. Through thoughtful techniques and innovative approaches, Michele and Chiara work to create expressive, original wines that reflect their place of origin, and we think they nailed it.
Who: Michele Conoscente and Chiara Penati (+ their two young daughters)
Where: Paderna, Alessandria • Piedmont, Italy
Founded:
Land: 6 hectares, 300 meters above sea level
Grapes: Timorasso Cortese, Farovita, Barbera + Dolcetto
Appellation: Colli Tortonesi DOC, Rosso Colli Tortonesi DOC
Viticulture: Organic/ Biodynamic
Annual Production:
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It takes a strong individual to cultivate the Timorasso grape.
Historically a noble grape, its qualities were perhaps overshadowed by its cranky growing process: asynchronous grape maturation, thin skins, and delicate stems dissuaded growers from continuing cultivation of this grape; however, under the watchful eye of a diligent farmer, Timorasso thrives in the Colli Tortonesi. A contemplative wine with richness and concentration to the palate cut down with a lean, mineral acidity, it offers a pleasurable drinking experience to friends around a table and the most fastidious Riesling drinker. It is a lovely wine in its youth and develops delicious savory qualities with age.
Production: Approx. 6,000 bottles and 200 magnums are produced yearly
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Age of Vineyard: planted between 1996 and 2016, at 300m on silty, calcareous soils—only 100% Timorasso from the north-facing Rampone and Simonelli vineyard parcels with only 2 hectares total.
Harvest: mid-September
Grape(s): 100% TimorassoThe process: The grapes are whole-cluster pressed. Fermentation was spontaneous, with temperature control in concrete vats. In this vintage, malolactic fermentation was completed. The wine is aged in concrete for 9 months on the fine lees.
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Sell Sheet
Interesting Info:
Timorasso was once Alessandria's most prized white variety, but after the phylloxera outbreak, farmers replaced it with the more productive and less noble Cortese grape. Timorasso almost went by the wayside, reaching its lowest point in 2000, at a measly 6 hectares. Twenty years later, it has expanded to approximately 60 hectares, primarily located in the Tortona region. According to the Colli Tortonesi DOC, blending with Cortese is permitted. While few winemakers produce it as a 100% single-varietal wine, it is the highest-quality grape. It produces wines that are full of citrus, honey, spice, and nuts, with a creamy texture and delicate minerality that only improves with age.
OLTRETORRENTE
Via Cinque Martiri, 86, 15050 Paderna AL, Italy +39 339 819 5360
oltretorrente.com