| |
|
Wines by Giacomo
Conterno |
|
|
Giacomo
Conterno
Cantina Conterno began in 1908 when Grandfather
Giovanni Conterno started making wines. While not technically
labeled Monfortino at the time, the now legendary riserva
was born in 1915 when Giovanni placed emphasis on premium
quality Barolo made only in great vintages with long fermentation
and aging periods to create the best aging potential. This
philosophy was inherited and taken to astronomical heights
by his son Giacomo. The Conternos managed to stay afloat
and even prosper over the years thanks to the Italian tradition
of giving Barolo as a prestigious Christmas gift (the practice
was quelled when Champagne became an international symbol
for celebration): like just a few other producers, they
had substantial orders from the likes of Fiat and Pirelli
to feed their success. When his own work was done and the
family operation had reached great heights, in the early
sixties, Giacomo decided to pass the winery to his sons,
Giovanni and Aldo. The credo they were taught: “Only
premium quality can bring prestige to the Langhe.”
Giovanni and Aldo worked together until 1969, when Aldo
branched off and founded his own estate, the Poderi Aldo
Conterno.
Until recently, this famed estate was run
by Giacomo’s eldest son, Giovanni Conterno. With Giovanni’s
recent passing, his son Roberto continues the traditional
winemaking of the Langhe that has always been practiced
here, resulting in the earthy kinds of wines with notes
of roses and tar that made Barolo what it is.
Fanatics of quality known for their long-lived
wines, this estate recently narrowed its focus strictly
to Nebbiolo and Barbera. Only the highest quality grapes
from Cascina Francia in Serralunga d’Alba are used
for their two famed Barolos: the ‘Cascina Francia’
and the legendary ‘Monfortino' Riserva. The
densely planted Francia vineyard has southwest exposure
and is about 400 meters above sea level. Grapes gathered
here offer deep tannins, creating ideal cellaring wines.
|
|
|
You may also enjoy reading about these additional producers:
Abbona,
Altare,
Anselma,
Bovio,
Cascina Ebreo,
Ceretto,
Clerico,
Aldo Conterno,
G.B. Burlotto,
Giacomo Conterno,
Conterno Fantino,
Cavallotto,
Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino,
Gaja,
Giacosa,
Bruna Grimaldi,
La Spinetta,
Marchesi di Barolo,
Bartolo Mascarello,
Massolino,
Mauro Sebaste,
Parusso,
Pio Cesare,
Prunotto,
Giuseppe Rinaldi,
Roagna,
Rocche dei Manzoni di Valentino,
Sandrone,
Scavino,
Vietti,
Virna di Borgogno,
Voerzio
|
|
|
|
