Conterno Fantino

Prinsipi from the small vineyard of the same name was once developed by son Fabio as a 100% Chardonnay and "little brother" of Bastia, but now 10% Manzoni Bianco is added, giving it more freshness and lightness. What also distinguishes it from the famous Chardonnay is the ageing in stainless steel. Fresh, crisp and very drinkable, this white wine cuts a fine figure, not only solo. SUPERIORE.DE

Strong ruby violet. In the fragrance creme de cassis, smoke, lavender and cloves. Firm on the palate, the typical Dolcetto acidity and a delicately bitter vein accompany this immensely deep and powerful Dolcetto to the fresh, fruity and impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for this exotic, barrique-aged noble chardonnay come from the Bricco Bastia and Ginestra sites and the result is a bright, racy white in minimal quantity. Full, yellow fruity bouquet, round on the palate and at the same time very fresh, very firm and dry, the natural acidity harmoniously accompanies a complex, vital finish. With a little more bottle maturity he should gain further weight. SUPERIORE.DE

Classic Rosso from the Langhe, made from 50% each of Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia districts. Inviting, exuberant Barbera bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruit, leather, tar and tobacco. In the drink then deep, chubby and very inviting, drinkable and opulent. Also very accessible at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

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

"This shows density and polish with lots of chewy tannins, which are medium-grained and give the wine form. Pretty ripe fruit in the center palate. Needs two or three years to come together." James Suckling

"Sweet, ripe plum and black cherry fruit marks this mouthfilling red. Late summer pastures, mint and licorice accents chime in, and this shows plenty of grip on the compact finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda is bright, punchy and super expressive, with striking floral and mineral top notes that lend energy and brilliance to this mid-weight Barolo. The purity of the flavors is just striking. Medium in body, gracious and nuanced, the Castelletto has so much to offer. This is a super-classic wine that shows significant tension and austerity; I would give it a few years to soften." Vinous

"The Conterno Fantino 2016 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda (with 6,500 bottles produced) draws its fruit from a 1.2-hectare site in Monforte d'Alba with silty soils mixed with sand and clay. It opens to bright cherry and dried raspberry that set the tone for the abundant primary fruit that defines the bouquet. Those red berry flavors cede to cola, spice, mint and rosemary essence. There is an almost exotic quality here spurred forward by pressed blue flower and church incense. However, the big takeaway here is the sheer energy and resonance of this classic Barolo." Robert Parker