Conterno Fantino

At Conterno Fantino, the Dolcetto grape is always processed with great sensitivity. Deep ruby violet colour. Aromas of crème de cassis, smoke, lavender and cloves. Firm on the palate, the typical Dolcetto acidity and a delicately bitter vein accompany this incredibly powerful Dolcetto through to the fresh, fruity and delicate final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia from organic farming is densely packed with sweet blackberries and blackcurrants. The wine is dense and rich with bitter almond and blue flower in the background. There is a lot of varietal character in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia 2022 is a very nice wine. Crushed blue fruits, menthol, liquorice and baking spices are beautifully highlighted in this delicate, understated Dolcetto. Like so many Dolcettos, the 2022 is more finesse than power." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe blueberries and mulberries with rose petals and peppery undertones. Medium body with a polished texture and fine tannins. Fresh and floral on the finish." James Suckling

Prinsipi from the small vineyard parcel of the same name was once developed by son Fabio as a 100 per cent Chardonnay and "little brother" of Bastia, but now 10 per cent Manzoni Bianco is added, which gives it more freshness and lightness. What also distinguishes it from the famous Chardonnay is the ageing in stainless steel. A fresh, crisp and very drinkable white wine that cuts a fine figure not only on its own and is now a firm favourite in the (now also organic) range. SUPERIORE.DE

With the Vignota, vinified from five different vineyards, the winery also proves that a great deal of excitement is possible even in the so-called entry-level range. Thanks to the marl and limestone soils, this wine offers plenty of natural intensity. Delicious bouquet of cherry jam, mint and rose petals. Very densely woven on the palate, with a juiciness, freshness and subtle fruit sweetness that makes this wine an irresistible accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"This rich Barbera is full of black cherries, blackberries and plums and shows a slight hint of toasted oak on the finish. Well integrated and long." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vignota is a beautiful expression with elegant fruit, dried blueberries, blackcurrants and a dusty mineral note framing the whole with clean and crisp lines. It has a medium fullness of fruit and an alcohol level of 15%, which is picked up by the wine's dense texture. Nevertheless, this is by no means a heavy wine." Wine Advocate

"A red with ripe berries, strawberries and hints of orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with juicy tannins. Round and slightly crunchy." James Suckling

For us, one of the best Nebbiolo from the Langhe. Some winemakers would make the entry-level Barolo from this excellent base wine from younger parcels. Multi-layered, dark bouquet of wild berries, menthol, spices and rosehip. The palate is powerful, present, with a taut finish and pronounced primary fruit. The tannins are well woven and very supple. Impeccable elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino is laced with crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco, spice, mint and dried flowers. This lithe, elegant Langhe Nebbiolo has quite a bit to offer. It's a lovely entry-level offering, especially in this vintage." Vinous

"The Conterno Fantino 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino reveals medium-rich concentration with primary fruits that touch the darker side of the Nebbiolo spectrum. Notes of blackberry and wild plum are softened by oak, tarry spice and toasted cinnamon. The wine deserves a bigger drinking window, probably taking it up to the 10-year mark." Wine Advocate

"Fine and polished with lightly chewy tannins and a medium body. Juicy and red-fruited with hints of cocoa. Velvety finish." James Suckling

The grapes for this exotic, barrique-aged noble Chardonnay come from the Bricco Bastia and Ginestra vineyards and the result is a bright, racy white wine in a minimal edition. Full, yellow-fruity bouquet, round and at the same time very fresh on the palate, very taut and dry, beautiful citrus notes harmoniously accompany the complex, vital finish. With a little more bottle ageing, it should continue to improve. SUPERIORE.DE

Classic Rosso from the Langhe, made from 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia districts. Inviting, exuberant Barbera-influenced bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruit, leather, tar and tobacco. Deep, plump and very inviting, drinky and opulent on the palate. Very accessible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 is a blend of Barbera from old vines (planted in 1971) and Nebbiolo from Bussia Sottana. Juicy and expressive, with plenty of Nebbiolo nerve, the Monprà delivers the goods. Juicy black cherry, gravel, spices, menthol, liquorice, dried flowers and a hint of French oak all come together in this wine. The 2020 is a particularly beautiful edition of the Monprà." Vinous

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 shows lovely richness and concentration in this hot vintage with dried cherry, blackberry, spice and liquorice (both red and black). The flavours are up front, but the wine shows a streamlined mouthfeel to close gently." Wine Advocate

The grapes for the exceptionally deep Vigna del Gris come from vines over 40 years old from the 1-hectare plot of the same name in Monforte d'Alba. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing attack, weightless and powerful at the same time. Firm tannins and plenty of flavour on the palate, with a great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine until it has gained in maturity, personality and elegance after a few more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is another great wine from Conterno-Fantino. Crushed flowers, cedar wood, pipe tobacco, mint, dried flowers and worn leather give the 2019 an impressive aromatic presence. Fabio Conterno has also managed to tame the tannins of the Monforte here. The Gris is really impressive. I would drink it before the other 2019s." Vinous

"Offers attractive notes of cherry and raspberry as well as flavours of iron, tar and undergrowth, wrapped in an embrace of toasted oak. Overall, this red wine is balanced, and the fruit should develop over the next decade as all the elements integrate. Long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is very robust and powerful on the nose. It needs more time in the bottle to develop and overcome its youthful phase. This wine is definitely ready to give more to those who wait. It opens with a dark garnet colour and ripe aromas of cherries, plums, roses and orange peel. After a few minutes, additional spices and nutmeg emerge. The tannins are still grippy." Wine Advocate

"Notes of red berries, crushed herbs and orange blossom with hints of lilac and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied. Fleshy and mouth-filling with polished tannins. Refined and supple. A hint of slightly bitter spices on the finish." James Suckling

The sandy soils north of Monforte d'Alba give this Barolo its immense power and structure. The bouquet is very open and appealing with dark cherries and raspberries, as well as notes of mint, cedar wood, rose petals and sage. Very lively and expressive on the palate, with deep beauty, seamlessly contoured and spectacular resonance. A fabulous wine from a very good vintage, classic and exotic at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intriguing bouquet with notes of cherries, leather, with a touch of sage flavours; juicy, harmonious texture with finely chiselled tannins, finishes long and multi-layered. Pleasing with its elegant style and character." Vinum

"Presents cherry, raspberry, sun-kissed hay, mineral and spice aromas and flavors that curl around an acidic spine and tannins. This has all the right components, matched to a slim, taut frame, with fine length." Wine Spectator

"Fresh and vibrant with red berry, blood orange, crushed hazelnut, hibiscus and spice aromas and flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and linear with a backbone of firm, finely grained tannins and steady minerality. Needs some time. Try after 2027." James Suckling

"The Conterno Fantino 2019 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda is medium dark and more concentrated compared to many of its peers. This wine shows a solid bouquet with fixed aromas of wild cherry, long-stemmed rose and candied orange. With time, even more floral aromas are coaxed forward from the bouquet. Beyond those are oak-driven notes of allspice and cinnamon. The tannins are polished, and the wine offers quite a bit of fruit texture." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda is gorgeous. Delicate and perfumed in the glass, the 2019 offers up a beguiling mélange of dark red cherry, rose petal, mint, cedar, blood orange, spice and crushed autumn leaves. In 2019, the Monforte tannins are especially refined, something that is very rarely the case here at this stage. What a wonderfully precise, sophisticated, nuanced wine this is. Impressive." Vinous

The grapes for the exceptionally deep Vigna del Gris come from vines over 40 years old from the 1-hectare plot of the same name in Monforte d'Alba. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing attack, weightless and powerful at the same time. Firm tannins and plenty of flavour on the palate, with a great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine until it has gained in maturity, personality and elegance after a few more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exudes an aroma of stone fruit, red flowers and leather; robust structure; the tannins have great potential, characterful evolution, persistent finish. Full of greatness and race, but still needs to mature." Vinum

"Expressive bouquet with red fruits, wild cherry, pomegranate, orange peel. On the palate, grippy, with crisp red fruit, energetic, very precisely woven, fine granular tannins. Juicy, elegant and distinguished. Also convincing this year." Weinwisser

"Packed with cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavors, this red is graceful yet backed by a base of dense tannins. Supple and fluid, with fine balance, plus a light, spicy underpinning. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris 2020 shows ripe fruit, dried cherry skin, plum, oak spice, medicinal cherry or cola, classic baking spice and coconut flakes. It's very fruity on the palate, and it won't disappear quickly, so there's still some room for ageing. The acidity and tannins are balanced, only the oak is a little too present. Give it time." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is rich and resonant in this tasting. As has been the case for several years, the Vigna del Gris is characterised by fine tannins, probably a result of older vines and more favourable weather conditions for cooler sites like this one. The Vigna del Gris in this tasting is very expressive, dark and full-bodied, with a marvellous depth of texture. It is another impeccable wine from Conterno-Fantino. Plum, blood orange, chalk and white pepper linger on the lingering finish." Vinous

"A pretty, multi-layered aroma and an elegant, lively palate come together in this structured, complex and age-worthy wine. Balsam, rose petals, violets and cinnamon meet biting sour cherry, raspberry and star anise on the palate." James Suckling

The sandy soils north of Monforte d'Alba give this Barolo its immense power and structure. The bouquet is very open and appealing with dark cherries and raspberries, as well as notes of mint, cedar wood, rose petals and sage. Very lively and expressive on the palate, with deep beauty, seamlessly contoured and spectacular resonance. A fabulous wine from a very good vintage, classic and exotic at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Conterno Fantino 2020 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda shows rich dark fruits, liquorice, spa cedar and sweet oak spice. On the palate, it shows a certain richness with a hint of vanilla extract, with sweet blueberry cream and cherry pie. The tannins have a slight toasted note, but remain fine-grained and well-integrated overall." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda 2020 is a delicate, elegant wine. Crushed rose petals, orange peel, white pepper, mint and crushed stones adorn this marvellous, translucent Barolo. All the elements are very well balanced. It has a crystalline purity that is simply beguiling. It is the most ethereal and perfumed of the Barolos here. The 2020 is simply great." Vinous

"Clearly defined fruit flavors give this red accessibility. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, hibiscus, earth and menthol notes are backed by a dense matrix of tannins. A fresh version, with a long, complex finish." Wine Spectator

"One of the richer, rounder and more mouth-filling Barolos. This expansive wine fills its beautifully firm structure with intricate layers of red cherry, orange peel, raspberry and cedar. Although full-bodied and broad in texture, it has the characteristic fine-grained tannins that only get better with time." James Suckling

Ginestra is a large and beautiful vineyard site in Monforte d'Alba, bathed in morning light and offering a panoramic view of the castle of Serralunga d'Alba. The flagship wine of the house with great personality and balance. The bouquet is multi-layered and multi-dimensional with dark purple, balsamic fruit on the one hand and impressive notes of spices, tar and tobacco on the other. In the glass, the Sori Ginestra is characterised by a pronounced, strong backbone of taut tannins and an acidity that leaves nothing to be desired for this cru in terms of structure, completeness and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Conterno Fantino 2020 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra has notes of perfumed oak spice, pine cones, liquorice root, pastis, root beer, plump cherry fruit, baked ripeness and wild mint on the finish. This is a generous, complex and well-structured Barolo. The oak impression is particularly strong at this young stage and the wine needs more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

"Saturated with cherry, plum, iron, tar, menthol, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors, this powerful and complex red is defined by a vibrant structure, showing vivid acidity and energetic tannins. The finish brings nice closure as all of the components gather together." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Ginestra 2020 Vigna Sorì Ginestra combines finesse with power, as can be the case with the best vineyards here. Crushed flowers, orange peel, spices, mint, white pepper and tobacco give it a remarkable aromatic presence. The 2020 starts light, then explodes in the middle of the palate and on the finish, showing remarkable structural depth and finesse." Vinous

"Generous oak spices are in great harmony with the rich fruit and agile structure of this classic, memorable Barolo. Tantalising aromas of cedar, cinnamon, iodine and sour cherry combine with warm red cherries, cranberries and chalky mineral notes on an appropriately tannic texture. Best from 2030." James Suckling

Impressive, very complex aroma of tar, smoke, liquorice, scorched earth, dark fruits and pebbles. With some aeration, dark, rich red fruits, exotic spices and smoked bacon. Very virile, dark and muscular on the palate, with an exciting contrast of austerity and extract sweetness. The opulence and intensity of the flavours and the still monumental tannins give an idea of what a great red with a strong personality is maturing here in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Conterno Fantino 2020 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped has aromas of brandied cherries, Luxardo cherry liqueur, oak toast, liquorice and dark rye. This Barolo is relatively dense in texture, with good intensity, chalky tannins and enough fruit to stand up to the tannins. The fruit comes from a one-hectare site with a combination of sand, silt and clay." Wine Advocate

"Well-defined flavors of cherry, raspberry, rose and wild herbs are the hallmarks of this elegant yet firmly structured red. There's a mineral undercurrent and a crisp, persistent aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"This exceptional wine is deep and sombre, packed with mineral, floral and savoury notes that will blossom with time. It shows iron, iodine and rose petals on the nose, then supple tannins wrap around cranberry, bitter orange and sour cherry. Best from 2028." James Suckling

"The 2020 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped is the most powerful and tannic of these wines, but it retains the mid-weight signature of the vintage and the more nuanced style that is the norm at Conterno-Fantino these days. On the palate, the 2020 is dark, lush and broad, offering a beguiling mix of dark fruits, leather, tobacco, incense, liquorice and dried herbs. The 2020 is a complex, dynamic wine that is constantly changing in the glass. It should offer exceptional drinking pleasure over the next 15-20 years. This is a classic Mosconi." Vinous

Classic Rosso from the Langhe, made from 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia districts. Inviting, exuberant Barbera-influenced bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruit, leather, tar and tobacco. Deep, plump and very inviting, drinky and opulent on the palate. Very accessible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 is a blend of Barbera from old vines (planted in 1971) and Nebbiolo from Bussia Sottana. Juicy and expressive, with plenty of Nebbiolo nerve, the Monprà delivers the goods. Juicy black cherry, gravel, spices, menthol, liquorice, dried flowers and a hint of French oak all come together in this wine. The 2020 is a particularly beautiful edition of the Monprà." Vinous

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 shows lovely richness and concentration in this hot vintage with dried cherry, blackberry, spice and liquorice (both red and black). The flavours are up front, but the wine shows a streamlined mouthfeel to close gently." Wine Advocate