La Morella

History and Location

  • Location: La Morella is an organic winery located in Carezzano, a small town in the Colli Tortonesi hills of Piedmont, Italy. This area is on the border of Piedmont, Liguria, and Lombardy.

  • Founding: The winery was founded in 1985 by Enio Ferretti, who had a strong love for his land and a commitment to nature.

  • Current Operations: Enio, with the help of his family, manages the estate, which includes not only vineyards but also other crops like wheat and herbs.

Winemaking Philosophy

La Morella is a prominent producer of natural and organic wines in its region, with a philosophy of minimal intervention.

  • Organic Farming: The winery has been practicing organic viticulture since its founding in 1985, with a focus on sustainable methods that involve minimal and non-invasive treatments, and no use of pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. They believe the best wine is made in the vineyard.

  • Indigenous Grapes: La Morella champions the native grape varieties of the Colli Tortonesi, including Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese, Freisa, and most notably, Timorasso. The focus on these local grapes is a key part of their identity.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, they strive to do as little as possible.

    • Spontaneous Fermentation: They use natural, indigenous yeasts for fermentation.

    • Minimal Additives: The winemaking process is designed to allow the wines to evolve naturally, often with no added sulfites.

    • Aging: Wines are aged in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tanks, depending on the wine, to preserve freshness and the pure expression of the fruit.

Notable Wines

La Morella is best known for its focus on indigenous grapes, especially the resurgence of Timorasso.

  • Timorasso: A key focus of the winery. This is a rare, indigenous white grape that has seen a revival in the Colli Tortonesi. La Morella's Timorasso wines are known for their structure, minerality, and complexity, with a flavor profile that can include notes of honey, pear, and a savory, mineral finish. These wines are also known for their impressive aging potential.

  • Il Monte: A classic white wine made from the Cortese grape. It is known for its bright acidity and flavors of lime and almond, a great example of a fresh, clean, and direct expression of the grape.

  • Bricco delle Streghe: A red wine made from the Dolcetto grape. It is a fresh, fruity, and easy-to-drink wine that is fermented and aged in steel tanks to maintain its vibrant character.

  • Barbera: As with many producers in Piedmont, La Morella makes a Barbera. Their version is typically a pure expression of the grape, reflecting the natural and traditional style of the winery.