Marina Coppi
Francesco Bellocchio took over vineyard land his grandfather, Fausto Coppi, had owned in the Colli Tortonesi region of Piedmont. Personal drive runs in the family. Grandfather Fausto was one of Italy’s most famous cyclists. Francesco is driven to make the very best wines from local varieties at the winery named after Fausto’s daughter and Francesco’s mother, Marina Coppi.
The age-worthy Timorasso grape has gained enormous popularity in the last few decades with vintners across Piedmont looking to secure vineyards in the Colli Tortonesi. The Coppi family has been farming here since 2003 and has built a careful library of back vintages to chart the promising evolution of this native grape. This is the flagship among a wonderful, carefully tended group of vines, and select wines made at Marina Coppi.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Grapes from the Gabetto vineyard and an old vineyard in the Madonna locality, in nearby Carezzano village, D.O.C. Colli Tortonesi.
- Planted 1947, 2003
- Soil: Limestone
Harvest Notes
- To increase the sugar and aromatic concentration, harvest begins about 10 days after grapes have achieved maximum ripeness and are slightly overripe
- Hand harvested into crates in the cooler, early morning hours to preserve the intense aromas
- Gentle whole cluster pressing
- Must is cold strained; slow fermentation for 10 months on lees in stainless steel tanks with manual battonage
- No malolactic fermentation
- Aged 18 months in tank
Winemaker's Notes
This wine is dedicated to the two Marinas in the family: Marina Coppi, mother of Francesco, and her grandaughter (Francesco’s daughter), Marina Bellocchio, who was born on the eve of the first harvest. Intensely straw colored. Fiand and intense bouquet with distinct ntoes of rennet apples, peach and meadow grass. The palate is full, round and balanced, with a smooth, persistent finish.
Pair with risottos, delicate starters, fish, crustaceans, stuffed vegetables and fresh cheese.
Wine Summary
100% Favorita (Vermentino); alcohol: 13.5%; vineyards vines planted in 1947, 2003 in Colli Tortonesi; limestone soil; named for Francesco Bellocchio’s mother and daughter; harvested slightly overripe; whole cluster pressed; no malolactic fermentation; fermented 10 months, aged in stainless steel tanks on lees 18 months.
Technical Information
- 100% Favorita (Vermentino)
- Alcohol: 13.5%
General Info
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piedmont |
| Appellation(s) | DOC Colli Tortonesi |
| Proprietors | Francesco Bellocchio & Anna Manfredi |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Winemaker | Francesco Bellocchio |
| Annual Production | 2,083 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Farmed using organic principles |