Conterno Fantino

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

"Here's a fun, easy-drinking release from Conterno Fantino, an estate that always works a deft hand on the Dolcetto grape. Opening to a darkly saturated appearance, the 2021 Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia shows ripe fruit with black cherry and summer plum. The wine is ample and generous in terms of texture and concentration. It would pair with a wood-fired pizza with extra mozzarella cheese." Robert Parker

Prinsipi, from the small vineyard of the same name, was once developed by son Fabio as a 100% Chardonnay and "little brother" of Bastia. In the meantime, 10 percent 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. Fresh, crisp and very drinkable white, which does not only cut a good figure solo. SUPERIORE.DE

With the Vignota, vinified from five different vineyards, the winery proves that even in the so-called entry-level range, a lot of excitement and richness is possible. Delicious bouquet of cherry jam, mint and rose petals. Very densely woven on the palate, with a juiciness, freshness and subtle fruit sweetness that make this wine an irresistible food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

For us, one of the best Nebbiolo of the Langhe. Some winemakers would make the entry-level Barolo out of this excellent base. Multi-layered, dark bouquet of wild berries, menthol, spices and rosehip. On the palate, punchy, present, with a taut draw and pronounced primary fruit. The tannin is well woven and very supple. Impeccable! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino is another compelling entry-level wine from Conterno-Fantino. It emerges from younger vine parcels in all of the estate's holdings. Sweet red berry, spice, leather and cedar lend aromatic nuance throughout. Ginestrino is one of the very best wines in its peer group and a hidden gem in Piedmont." Vinous

"The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino is a fun little surprise that offers simple drinking pleasure. The wine presents varietal purity with small berry nuances, blue flower and lots of crushed mineral or chalky limestone. It balances out nicely to reveal a good amount of elegance at this reasonable price point." Robert Parker

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 in minimal edition. Full, yellow-fruited bouquet, round and at the same time very fresh on the palate, very taut and dry, the natural acidity accompanies harmoniously into a complex, vital finish. With a little more bottle maturity, it should continue to improve. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always a special treat to taste, the Conterno Fantino 2020 Langhe Chardonnay Bastía is a delicious and generous wine. This Chardonnay offers mature peach and melon, and that fruit is cut sharply with mineral, spice and toast. At the end of the day, this wine is really all about generosity, fullness and texture. It boasts a semi-rich creamy palate that wraps smoothly over your senses. It concludes with citrusy end notes." Robert Parker

Classic Rosso from the Langhe made from 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia estates. Inviting, exuberant Barbera-influenced bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruits, leather, tar and tobacco. Deep, plump and very inviting, drinkable and lush. Very accessible even when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, with lush cherry, strawberry and floral aromas and flavors. Offers spicy oaky elements, which add a layer of tannins but are easily matched by the ample fruit. Fine length." Wine Spectator

"The Conterno Fantino 2018 Langhe Rosso Monprà opens to rich and dark concentration with bold cherry and blackberry aromas that cede to spice, toasted hazelnut, tobacco and baking chocolate. The wine spreads smoothly over the palate with rich texture and lasting determination. It finishes with sweet fruit flavors and medium length. Especially considering its 15% alcohol content, you'll want to uncork this beauty alongside a mighty cassoeula magra di manzo, a heavy beef and vegetable casserole from Northern Italy." Robert Parker

The grapes for the immensely deep Vigna del Gris come from vines that are over 40 years old from the approximately 1 hectare parcel of the same name. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing approach, weightless and powerful at the same time. On the palate, firm tannins and lots of spice, with great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine before it has gained maturity, personality and elegance after more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impresses with precise fruit, compact structure and wonderful earthy dark spice and saltiness; a lovely vertical wine that integrates ageing in small oak barrels well, revealing subtle cocoa notes and plenty of fine-grained tannin on the finish." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red. Opens to a potpourri of truffle and iron on the nose, along with rich cherry fruit and elegant spice, to be tucked in. Dense and polished on the palate, elegant, with grippy tannin and plenty of tension, still seems young, put it away and enjoy it fully in a few years." Falstaff

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is classic Gris. Bright, focused and taut in feel, 2017 offers up a whole range of floral and spice top notes that give the wine terrific freshness. On the palate, the Gris is a bit nervous, as it always is, yet with superb balance and class. The tannins can be a bit edgy here, but the 2017 keeps everything in check. This is such a pretty wine." Vinous

"I always love the purity of aromas delivered in wine from this 1.8-hectare site with loose, well-draining soils in the celebrated Ginestra cru of Monforte d'Alba. The Conterno Fantino 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris boasts a slightly more delicate and finessed aromatic approach with tighter weaving and an almost fragile personality. However, the warm 2017 vintage conditions do their part to build up the concentrated power and fruit weight of this Barolo. I found this wine to be more reticent in terms of mouthfeel; however, that may be a reflection of my early tasting." Robert Parker

"This is extremely perfumed with rose petal and orange zest to the ripe-strawberry and cherry character. Full and intense palate with layers of fruit and firm, dusty tannins. Chewy at the finish, but there’s plenty of fruit." James Suckling

The grapes for the immensely deep Vigna del Gris come from vines that are over 40 years old from the approximately 1 hectare parcel of the same name. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing approach, weightless and powerful at the same time. On the palate, firm tannins and lots of spice, with great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine before it has gained maturity, personality and elegance after more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is elegant and woven tightly together with small berry fruits, redcurrant, wild lilac and violet, crushed stone and licorice root. With fruit from Monforte d'Alba, the wine is streamlined and silky, but you also sense the power and tightness of the inner fiber that locks it all together with seamless precision." Robert Parker

"Dense nose with licorice-tinged, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied and full-fruited palate, then there’s a steady, velvety-tannin build through the long finish. Really well structured and polished. Showing great promise. Excellent 2018 from the Monforte d’Alba zone. Give it the time it needs to show its best. Try after 2025." James Suckling

Probably one of the most independent Barolos we have ever tasted. Impressive, very complex aroma of tar, smoke, liquorice, scorched earth, dark fruits and pebbles. With some aeration then dark, rich, red fruits, exotic spices and smoked bacon. Then very virile, dark and muscular in the drink, with an exciting contrast of austerity and extract sweetness. The opulence and intensity of the taste impressions and the still monumental tannin give an idea of what a great red with a strong personality is maturing here in the bottle. Only 6,000 bottles available. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped sources its fruit from a small vineyard plot measuring less than one hectare that is composed of sand, silt and clay soils. This special wine shows dark fruit with cherry and blackcurrant, all followed by spice, tar and earth. The hot and dry growing conditions in 2017 make for extra intensity and concentration, with firm tannins that hold it all together. The cooling altitudes at 360 to 380 meters above sea level and the general conditions of Monteforte d'Alba mean that this wine shows good integration." Robert Parker

"The 2017 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped is deep, resonant and expansive, as wines from this site tend to be. In this tasting, the Mosconi is wonderfully deep. Its stature alone is compelling. And yet there is so much to the Mosconi. Readers will find a Barolo that melds together a rich, racy expression of fruit with plenty of structure that wraps everything together. Rich red fruit, blood orange, tar, spice and cedar build as the 2017 gains volume through to the finish." Vinous

"Plenty of red fruit and tar here with bark and mushroom as well. It's full-bodied, yet tight and polished on the palate. Tight finish. Tar and burnt citrus to the fruit in the aftertaste. One of the best wines from here in years, this needs some bottle age to open and soften." James Suckling

The sandy soils north of Monforte d'Alba give this Barolo its immense power and structure. Very open and appealing on the nose of dark cherries and raspberries, with notes of mint, cedar, rose petals and sage. On the palate then 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

"Engaging nose of fresh red berries, flowers flanked by feudal truffle notes; excellent construction with powerful, perfectly integrated tannins, juice, richness, glorious length on notes of berries, spice and wood. Impressive." Vinum

"The 2018 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda is a very pretty, aromatic wine redolent of floral and savory notes. Dried cherry, blood orange, mint, sage and licorice are all beautifully lifted. This elegant, translucent Monforte Barolo has to much so offer. The 2018 is all class. Time brings out dimension and breadth to round things out." Vinous

"The Conterno Fantino 2018 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda is dense and tight, especially at this early phase in its life. This wine promises good things to those who wait, and it shows both the freshness and the structure to go the long haul. I love the sharp and extremely focused personality of Vigna Pressenda. Dark fruit and rose are backed by etched mineral and sensations of iron ore. This wine is a true beauty." Robert Parker

The flagship of the house with great personality and balance. The bouquet is multi-layered and multi-dimensional with dark violet, balsamic fruits on the one hand, and impressive notes of spices, tar and tobacco on the other. In the glass, the hallmark of the Sori Ginestra is the pronounced, strong backbone of taut tannin and an acidity that leaves nothing to be desired for this cru in terms of structure, perfection and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting and opulent, juicy, velvety, marked by sweet fruit and full-bodied without appearing heavy, brightly radiant berry aromas, everything appears solid and polished, as does the tannin, juicy, also animating and salty finish." Weinwisser

"Bright, intense ruby with fine garnet shimmer. Smells of pomegranate on the nose, fine herbal spice, combined with fresh leather. Juicy on the attack, spreads out with lots of cherry fruit, opens up with dense tannin as it goes on, firm and gripping, still a bit brittle on the back end." Falstaff

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is another gorgeous, expressive wine in this range. Broad and ample, the 2017 captures all of the personality of this site. Dark-fleshed fruit, spice, menthol, licorice, espresso, dried flowers and pine infuse the 2017 with myriad layers of dimension. There is plenty of Ginestra energy and tannin, so a few years of cellaring is a must." Vinous

"Rather floral and fruity with candied strawberry and some cherry and stone undertones. It’s full and flows across the palate. Creamy, round tannins that are very fine. Friendly and seductive, especially for a 2017." James Suckling

"An important and cellar-worthy wine, the Conterno Fantino 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra shows ripe fruit and wild berry, with background tones of grill herb, licorice and pressed blue flowers. There are hints of eucalyptus and white pepper that add extra lift and intensity to the bouquet. This is an excellent wine that is very different from the epic 2016 vintage, which scored an extraordinary and well-deserved 98 points; this vintage does not reach that stratospheric level of complexity or depth. When it is ready to open, note that it carries an alcohol content of 15%, so an elaborate truffle meal is probably in order." Robert Parker

"Pale ruby in hue with a dense colour, full of intriguing leafy lightness with fresh mint, pomegranate and rosehip. This shines for its elegance. A concentration of citrus and darker fruits overlay fresh acidity and solid, muscular tannins which are typical of Ginestra - in my experience this Sorì can be even more austere in the best vintages. Hailed as a warm vintage, the 2017 here expresses an extraordinary freshness with a citrus finish. Outstanding ageing potential." Decanter

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

"The 2018 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped shows a pretty, rich disposition with lovely varietal aromas of forest fruit, rose petal, earth and crushed stone. From a site with mixed sand, silt and clay soils, Vigna Ped is stitched tightly together in terms of its fiber and substance, yet it also reveals a very elegant and polished side of the Mosconi site in Monforte d'Alba that always produces rather powerful and age-worthy wines." Robert Parker

"Enticing aromas of dried strawberries and raspberries, together with leaves and bark and a hint of orange cream. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins that are still quite angular, but are carrying loads of creamy fruit flavor through the long finish. Structured and very elegant. This is delicious to taste even now, but there’s clearly a long way to go. Will be fabulous from 2025." James Suckling

The flagship of the house with great personality and balance. The bouquet is multi-layered and multi-dimensional with dark violet, balsamic fruits on the one hand, and impressive notes of spices, tar and tobacco on the other. In the glass, the hallmark of the Sori Ginestra is the pronounced, strong backbone of taut tannin and an acidity that leaves nothing to be desired for this cru in terms of structure, perfection and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the nose it impresses with a clear berry-herb aroma; in the mouth compact, the tannins robust and accurately placed, suppleness and race until the final. Good." Vinum

"Starts with lots of tobacco and wood spice, plus stimulating cherry fruit and hay; stands out with extremely high tannin quality, velvety and mouth-filling, finest grip, already equipped with a decent portion of charm." Weinwisser

"The 2018 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is a dark, brooding wine. There is plenty of the balsamic character that is typical of Ginestra. Broad tannins wrap around the wine's natural breadth, but are nicely integrated. Black cherry, gravel, spice, menthol and licorice all build over time, filling out the layers effortlessly. Readers will find a dark, brooding Barolo of real substance and power, with the context of the year." Vinous

"Super-round, rich and focused with plenty of bright berries, together with spicy and fresh, citrus-rind notes. There’s a silky underlay of loamy mineral that serves as a base for this full-bodied Barolo with fine-grained, well-poised tannins that carry the fruit and spice through the long, long finish. Creamy mineral aftertaste. Nothing overstated, just really intricate and well-defined. Great to taste now, but we will need to wait until at least 2025 for this to show its best." James Suckling

"Ginestra is a large and beautiful growing site in Monforte d'Alba that gets the morning light and enjoys panoramic views facing the castle of Serralunga d'Alba. The Conterno Fantino 2018 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is always one of my top picks from this beautiful corner of the appellation. This Barolo is ample and generous, yet it hits the palate with precision and focused sharpness. The bouquet offers wild berry, cassis, rose, menthol, earth and crushed aniseed. This is an impressive and age-worthy wine." Robert Parker

The grapes for the immensely deep Vigna del Gris come from vines that are over 40 years old from the approximately 1 hectare parcel of the same name. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing approach, weightless and powerful at the same time. On the palate, firm tannins and lots of spice, with great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine before it has gained maturity, personality and elegance after more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impresses with precise fruit, compact structure and wonderful earthy dark spice and saltiness; a lovely vertical wine that integrates ageing in small oak barrels well, revealing subtle cocoa notes and plenty of fine-grained tannin on the finish." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red. Opens to a potpourri of truffles and iron on the nose, plus rich cherry fruit and elegant spice, to tuck into. Dense and polished on the palate, elegant, with grippy tannin and plenty of tension, still seems young, put it away and enjoy it fully in a few years." Falstaff

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is classic Gris. Bright, focused and taut in feel, 2017 offers up a whole range of floral and spice top notes that give the wine terrific freshness. On the palate, the Gris is a bit nervous, as it always is, yet with superb balance and class. The tannins can be a bit edgy here, but the 2017 keeps everything in check. This is such a pretty wine." Vinous

"I always love the purity of aromas delivered in wine from this 1.8-hectare site with loose, well-draining soils in the celebrated Ginestra cru of Monforte d'Alba. The Conterno Fantino 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris boasts a slightly more delicate and finessed aromatic approach with tighter weaving and an almost fragile personality. However, the warm 2017 vintage conditions do their part to build up the concentrated power and fruit weight of this Barolo. I found this wine to be more reticent in terms of mouthfeel; however, that may be a reflection of my early tasting." Robert Parker

"This is extremely perfumed with rose petal and orange zest to the ripe-strawberry and cherry character. Full and intense palate with layers of fruit and firm, dusty tannins. Chewy at the finish, but there’s plenty of fruit." James Suckling

The grapes for the immensely deep Vigna del Gris come from vines that are over 40 years old from the approximately 1 hectare parcel of the same name. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing approach, weightless and powerful at the same time. On the palate, firm tannins and lots of spice, with great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine before it has gained maturity, personality and elegance after more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is elegant and woven tightly together with small berry fruits, redcurrant, wild lilac and violet, crushed stone and licorice root. With fruit from Monforte d'Alba, the wine is streamlined and silky, but you also sense the power and tightness of the inner fiber that locks it all together with seamless precision." Robert Parker

"Dense nose with licorice-tinged, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied and full-fruited palate, then there’s a steady, velvety-tannin build through the long finish. Really well structured and polished. Showing great promise. Excellent 2018 from the Monforte d’Alba zone. Give it the time it needs to show its best. Try after 2025." James Suckling

The flagship of the house with great personality and balance. The bouquet is multi-layered and multi-dimensional with dark violet, balsamic fruits on the one hand, and impressive notes of spices, tar and tobacco on the other. In the glass, the hallmark of the Sori Ginestra is the pronounced, strong backbone of taut tannin and an acidity that leaves nothing to be desired for this cru in terms of structure, perfection and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the nose it impresses with a clear berry-herb aroma; in the mouth compact, the tannins robust and accurately placed, suppleness and race until the final. Good." Vinum

"Starts with lots of tobacco and wood spice, plus stimulating cherry fruit and hay; stands out with extremely high tannin quality, velvety and mouth-filling, finest grip, already equipped with a decent portion of charm." Weinwisser

"The 2018 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is a dark, brooding wine. There is plenty of the balsamic character that is typical of Ginestra. Broad tannins wrap around the wine's natural breadth, but are nicely integrated. Black cherry, gravel, spice, menthol and licorice all build over time, filling out the layers effortlessly. Readers will find a dark, brooding Barolo of real substance and power, with the context of the year." Vinous

"Super-round, rich and focused with plenty of bright berries, together with spicy and fresh, citrus-rind notes. There’s a silky underlay of loamy mineral that serves as a base for this full-bodied Barolo with fine-grained, well-poised tannins that carry the fruit and spice through the long, long finish. Creamy mineral aftertaste. Nothing overstated, just really intricate and well-defined. Great to taste now, but we will need to wait until at least 2025 for this to show its best." James Suckling

"Ginestra is a large and beautiful growing site in Monforte d'Alba that gets the morning light and enjoys panoramic views facing the castle of Serralunga d'Alba. The Conterno Fantino 2018 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is always one of my top picks from this beautiful corner of the appellation. This Barolo is ample and generous, yet it hits the palate with precision and focused sharpness. The bouquet offers wild berry, cassis, rose, menthol, earth and crushed aniseed. This is an impressive and age-worthy wine." Robert Parker