Barolo Bussia “Vigna Romirasco” DOCG 2021

Aldo Conterno | Piedmont
Poderi Aldo Conterno | Loc. Bussia, 48 | IT 12065 Monforte d'Alba

05412621 · 0,75 l · 398,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping11 units available
Limitation of 2 articles per customer

There are situations that don't need to be explained – you just have to name them. Romirasco is one of them. The highest parcel in the Bussia Soprana, 395 metres above sea level, less steep than the Cicala, but more exposed, cooler, more dramatic. The oldest vines on the entire estate are here – 65 to 70 years old, Nebbiolo Lampia on Rupestris du Lot rootstock, rooted in a soil of calcareous clay with exceptional amounts of manganese and magnesium. It is these minerals that give Romirasco its characteristic flavour – the unmistakable fingerprint that distinguishes it from Cicala and Colonnello even in blind tastings. Only 4,000 bottles are produced per vintage from 3.8 hectares – the lowest yield of all Conterno wines. Romirasco was first produced in the legendary 2004 vintage, when hail damage made it impossible to bottle the other crus separately. The result was so overwhelming that the Conternos decided to vinify this vineyard separately from then on. Today, Romirasco is considered the best wine of the house.

Hand-picked in mid-October, fermentation in stainless steel tanks at up to 32°C, 30 days on the skins – longer than for Cicala and Colonnello, because these old vines can take more. The wine is then aged for 30 months in large Slavonian oak barrels of 25 hectolitres, which are scraped every two years and used for a maximum of eight years. After ageing, months in steel for natural clarification. Unfiltered bottling – as always with Conterno.

Deep garnet red with dark reflections. What emerges from the glass is pure seduction: tar, smoke, black cherries, elderberries, mint – then raspberries, redcurrants, rosemary, thyme, sandalwood, cinnamon, dried flowers. A spicy, balsamic wave that fills the room. The 2021 unfolds in full splendour on the palate: full-bodied, powerful, with velvety, grippy tannins that are not aggressive, but structuring. Black plums, red berries, liquorice, aniseed, leather, a mineral depth that never ends. The spice of the terroir pervades every layer – coriander, bergamot, wild myrtle, patchouli. A vibrant, noble, unyieldingly elegant monument. This is not just Barolo – this is Romirasco, and it is irresistible. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet rim. Compact and broodingnose, characterised by notes of fresh wild raspberry, plum, plus some pomegranate and liquorice. A veritable peacock's wheel of impressions on the palate, present, juicy fruit, then fine-meshed tannin in many layers, describes a wide arc, long final." Falstaff

"Romirasco is the estate's largest site, located directly east of Cicala, but combines the geology of Cicala with that of Colonnello and therefore typically has the most balsamic profile. The 2021 smells of mint, rosemary, lightly grilled nuances and a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, it flows smoothly and seamlessly, giving the impression of weightlessness combined with great depth and concentration. Inner floral scents mingle with spicy pepper, and velvety tannins build up to an imposing volume, picking up grainy wood and squeezing dryly on the finish." Decanter

"The nose is dominated by graphite and minerals, potpourri, dried cherries, orange peel, wax and liquorice. There is plenty of fruit sweetness on the palate, with firm, dusty yet ripe tannins and a long, refreshing acidity. It is full-bodied and will age for decades." James Suckling

"The 2021 Barolo Romirasco is exceptionally vivid and finessed. This is one of the finest recent versions I have tasted. Light on its feet and deceptive at first, the 2021 races across the palate with tons of pure energy. Chalk, mint, white pepper, herbs, iron and dried flowers give this mid-weight, structured Barolo gorgeous aromatic presence and perfume. There's just a touch of oak that needs time to integrate. Impeccable." Vinous