“Conca Tre Pile” Barbera d’Alba DOC 2022

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

05412222 · 0,75 l · 54,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Aldo Conterno was an exception among the Piedmontese Barolo producers – one of the few who gave Barbera the attention it deserved. While his colleagues dismissed the variety as an everyday wine, Conterno recognised its potential. The Conca Tre Pile is a steep, hilly slope in the Bussia Soprana, planted entirely with Barbera – vines up to 45 years old, rooted in the legendary terroir that usually produces the great Barolo. This is no ordinary Barbera. This is Barbera on a par with the greats. The grapes are harvested by hand at the beginning of October. After eight to ten days of maceration at 26 to 28 degrees in stainless steel tanks, the wine is racked, pumped over several times and then filled into 100 per cent new French barriques, where it matures for twelve months. An unusual amount of wood for Barbera – but it works for Conterno. The natural acidity of the variety absorbs the wood, integrates the vanilla and spice flavours and transforms them into complexity rather than dominance.

Dark ruby red in colour. The nose reveals ripe cherries, blackberries, sour cherries, violets, vanilla, liquorice, walnuts and fine mushroom notes. On the palate, the 2022 shows the characteristic Barbera acidity – lively, taut and structured – embedded in a juicy, fleshy texture with fine-grained tannins and impressive fullness. The finish is long, savoury and elegant. This is no cheerful fruit bomb. This is Barbera with depth, structure and ageing potential – a wine that proves that Barbera can be more than the little brother of Nebbiolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"A restrained barbera with aromas of citrus, red currants, cinnamon, red cherries and touches of smoke, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied with supple fruit, a dense palate, velvety tannins and crisp, precise acidity. Warming yet balanced chocolaty finish." James Suckling