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A Deeper Understanding of Giacomo Conterno Barolo
Giacomo Conterno has a legacy of being associated with the traditional wines of Barolo, with each generation maintaining the standards of excellence. Monfortino, one of their most admired wines, began its journey around 1920. It still sets the standard for Barolo wines, created to mature with grace and subtlety, making it sought after by wine lovers the world over. Consistently upholding traditional methods has helped define the authentic Barolo wine.
The traditional method for which Giacomo Conterno is renowned involves careful maceration and ageing in large, neutral Slavonian oak barrels. This process allows the Nebbiolo grape to fully develop its characteristics, resulting in wines that age beautifully over time. The introduction of ‘Barolo Extra’ with Monfortino marked a breakthrough in transforming a bottle into a long-lasting pleasure, and today this practice is considered a foundation of traditional Barolo.
Behind the Scenes at Giacomo Conterno
At Giacomo Conterno, the most important thing is to preserve tradition. Their winemaking focuses on natural yeast solutions and long maceration, lasting from three to five weeks, followed by maturation in large Slavonian botti. This preserves the wine's natural flavor and complexity, allowing it to blossom without unnecessary filtration. The result is wines with preserved structure and depth that are unforgettable.
Quality starts in the vineyard, with carefully selected grapes from their fields such as Cerretta and Arione, using sustainable methods. Modern technology is used sparingly, such as gentler destemming and better quality control, guaranteeing consistency in every bottle. With this symbiosis of tradition and new technology, Conterno maintains its world-class status.
Giacomo Conterno: A Legacy in Wine
Over time, Giacomo Conterno has had a significant impact on winemaking in Piedmont by refining traditional methods. The Conterno family, with their iconic Monfortino, has consistently maintained the standards that make Barolo synonymous with quality and enduring complexity. This has helped to establish Piedmont as the home of noble wines.
Their dedication to the unique terroir is evident in their emphasis on single vineyard wines. Vineyards such as Cascina Francia and Cerretta bring out the unique characteristics that make the wines an authentic tasting experience. This commitment makes Giacomo Conterno a leading figure in Piedmont, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. For example, choose Monfortino for special occasions where the wine's long aging potential will impress your guests.
The epitome of traditional Barolo
Although the exact roots are debated, the Conterno family's involvement in winemaking in Monforte d'Alba dates back to the early 20th century. Giacomo Conterno officially founded the winery in the 1920s after his return from World War I. He was the first in the family to bottle wine under the family name, laying the foundation for a legendary winery.
The house’s flagship wine, Barolo Riserva Monfortino, is considered one of Italy’s greatest and most sought-after wines. First created in 1924, Monfortino epitomizes Conterno’s ultra-traditional style. The wine is characterized by long maceration periods and several years of aging in large Slavonian oak barrels (botti), typically for six to seven years before bottling. This uncompromising approach allows the Nebbiolo grape to unfold its full potential, resulting in wines with enormous structure, complexity and aging potential.
In addition to Monfortino, Giacomo Conterno also produces a “regular” Barolo, also made in the traditional style with four years of aging in large barrels. Until the 2014 vintage, both Monfortino and the regular Barolo were made exclusively from grapes from the family’s 14-hectare Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba, which was acquired in 1974. The grapes for Monfortino are carefully selected from the best plots in this vineyard. Since 2015, the winery has also produced a Barolo Arione from a nine-hectare vineyard south of Serralunga, which was acquired that year. In 2008, the Cerretta vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba was also purchased – a three-hectare cru area planted with both Nebbiolo and Barbera.
Giacomo Conterno's wine philosophy is deeply rooted in tradition, with minimal intervention and a strong focus on letting the terroir shine through. They prefer long fermentations and aging in large, neutral oak barrels, avoiding the use of small barriques that can impart too much barrel character. This patient approach results in wines that are powerful and structured, yet exhibit remarkable finesse and elegance.
The Conterno family vineyards are primarily located in the prestigious Barolo area around Serralunga d'Alba, known for wines with great structure and aging potential. The Cascina Francia vineyard in particular, which has been a monopole (fully owned by the house) since 1974, is significant and consistently delivers excellent Nebbiolo grapes. The addition of Cerretta and Arione has further strengthened the house's presence in the top areas of Barolo. In 2018, Roberto Conterno, the third generation in the family, also purchased the historic Nervi winery in Gattinara, expanding the family's wine production outside of Barolo.
Giacomo Conterno's wines consistently rank among the world's best, with Barolo Riserva Monfortino frequently receiving perfect or near-perfect ratings from leading wine critics. Their other Barolo wines, including Cascina Francia, Cerretta and Arione, also receive high praise for their quality, complexity and ability to express their terroir. These accolades underscore the house's unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines in a traditional style.
A defining feature of Giacomo Conterno is its unwavering adherence to traditional Barolo methods, handed down through generations. The house’s dedication to long aging in large oak barrels and minimal intervention in the cellar results in wines that are powerful, structured and capable of aging for decades – and that represent the purest version of the Nebbiolo grape and the unique terroir of Serralunga d’Alba. Roberto Conterno, who now heads the winery, continues the family legacy and ensures that Giacomo Conterno remains a benchmark for traditional Barolo for generations to come.
What is Giacomo Conterno wine?
When you are looking for a wine with both history and depth, Giacomo Conterno is an excellent choice. This Italian wine is known for its exceptional quality and ability to develop complex flavor notes over time. At Bottles With History ApS we have a wide selection of Giacomo Conterno, especially bottles with vintages up to 60 years old, each of which tells its own unique story.
Where can I buy Giacomo Conterno wine in Copenhagen?
If you want to purchase Giacomo Conterno wine in Copenhagen, you can use our webshop at Bottles With History ApS. We offer same-day delivery as well as the option of free shipping on orders over 500 DKK. Even if we are not physically located in Copenhagen, we make sure that your wine is with you quickly and safely from our location in Roskilde.
How do I choose the right Giacomo Conterno wine for a special occasion?
When choosing a Giacomo Conterno wine for a special occasion, it is important to consider both the vintage and the flavor profile. Choose a vintage that harmonizes with your menu and occasion. At Bottles With History ApS we have a team of experts ready to advise you on the best choice from our large selection, so you get the optimal wine experience for your special evening.
Why is Giacomo Conterno wine known for its quality?
Giacomo Conterno wine is distinguished by its high quality, which can be attributed in particular to the traditional winemaking methods and the special terroir of the Piedmont region. When you choose a wine from Bottles With History, you can be sure that the bottle has been stored under optimal conditions, ensuring that the taste experience is at its best, regardless of age.
Is Giacomo Conterno a good wine to give as a gift?
Giacomo Conterno is an obvious choice as a gift for the wine lover who appreciates exclusivity and history. The background and quality of the bottle will undoubtedly impress the recipient. Browse our selection at Bottles With History ApS to find the perfect gift, and use our same-day delivery for fast and safe delivery.
