Date of visit: June 5, 2023
This was our second time visiting Giacomo Conterno, a producer who needs no introduction, and who’s wines were showing beautifully. For a more in depth look at this legendary producer, please see the links below to The Rare Wine Company and Polaner Selections, both of who have written excellent articles that we highly recommend reading.
Tasting notes:
2021 Barbera d’Alba Francia: Aged for 2 years in barrel, and bottled just 2 weeks ago. Perfumed, elegant, pronounced aromas of crushed cherries, roses, and flowers, which carries over to the palate, which is incredibly juicy and lively. Very smooth mouthfeel with tannins that appear just on the finish, and slowly fade away. Unbelievably well balanced. Very enjoyable now, but possesses excellent cellaring potential, and will without a doubt be even more enjoyable in years to come.
2019 Barolo Cerretta: Bottled in 2022, this is the only single vineyard Barolo which Roberto bottled for 2019; all of the fruit from Arione and Francia went into Monfortino. Pronounced aromas of red fruit, roses, licorice, and flowers, with nuances of tar, all of which carries over to the palate. Great purity of fruit, and balance. Very elegant, but also quite forward. Approachable and very enjoyable now, but will surely only improve with time. A beautiful Barolo.
2019 Barolo Monfortino (from barrel): Roberto said that this will likely be bottled in 2024, and will then spend 1 year aging in bottle prior to release. The nose was a bit closed at first, but with time slowly revealed licorice, tar, new leather, flowers, ripe red fruits, hay, cranberries, and black currants. The palate is silky smooth for a young Barolo, with a great deal of power, acidity, and microscopic grippy tannins which linger on. Today, this is significantly more closed than the Cerretta, but it’s easy to see the incredible potential. There is no question, this is an magnificent Barolo.
Thank You
Grazie mille Stephanie and Roberto for the wonderful visit, and for sharing your incredible wines with us!
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