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Diego Conterno - Barolo 2018
Price: $69.99
Sale Price: $49.99
Chris Cree MW - Value Score: 99 Points
BAROLO LOVERS TAKE NOTE! This is an incredible deal from a superb small grower located in the prestigious commune of Monforte in Barolo, where some of the Nebbiolo grape’s best expressions are found. Top growers wines here Giacomo Conterno’s wines (no relation) sell for about $300 for the Cascina Francia to $1000s per bottle for Monforte Riserva. This one will set you back a mere $50 or less, and deliver delicious Barolo enjoyment now and for a decade to come.
It delivers classic Nebbiolo crush and dried red fruit, hints of earth, moderate plus tannin and acidity to keep it balanced and focused, with a pure, long mid-palate and finish. This is a very classy Barolo for the same price as some growers Langhe Nebbiolo. If you love classic, traditionally made Barolo you can’t afford to miss out on this stellar 99 point bargain!
Diego is a guy we watch - he learned initially at the Umberto I School of Enology, while working for legendary Piedmont winemaker Beppe Colla of Prunotto. In 2000 he left the winery he founded with partners (Conterno-Fantina) and created his own winery bringing with him his vines which included a prime Ginestra plot.
The winery is located in Monforte d’Alba on a hill surrounded by vineyards – incidentally just up the slope from the vineyards of the more famous Giacomo Conterno. Today Diego and his son Stefano work together, ensuring a solid future for this terrific small family winery.
A selection of grapes from Conterno’s vineyards in Monforte d’Alba: ‘Bricco San Pietro,’ ‘San Giovanni’ (near the village of Barolo) and ‘Ginestra’ (closer to Serralunga), each vinified separately.
100% Nebbiolo
Soil: Clay with limestone marl
Altitude: 960-1,140 feet
Average Age of the Vines: 10-30 years old
Training System: Simple Guyot
Average Production: 45 hl/ha
Harvest: Manual
Vinification: The grapes are fully destemmed, followed by fermentation using indigenous yeasts in a temperature-controlled steel tank.
Aging: Combination of 50 hl oak cask and cement tank for 30 months.
Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied wine with aromas of juicy, red cherries, wildflowers, a hint of menthol, and spice. Well-balanced with fine-grained tannins.
Food Pairings: Pairs well with grilled or braised meats, burgers, game birds, game, pork, pasta with meat sauces and so much more! Drink now and over the next decade!
