Conterno Fantino Barolo Ginestra "Vigna del Gris" DOCG 2020
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JS 96] [VM 95] [WA 94] [JD 94]

Notes from the Winemaker:

100% Nebbiolo Lampia and Michet from the historic Ginestra cru of Monforte d’Alba, partly from an old vineyard of 0.6 hectares (a little under 1.5 acres) and partly from one planted in 2000, covering 2.5 hectares (6.1 acres), southeasterly exposed. The latter is planted with a selection of all the new Nebbiolo clones fine-tuned in Piedmont since the Y2K, together with choice graftings from the best old vines. Soil is 47% sand, 37% silt and 16% clay, with a gradient of 26%. Exposure is predominantly southeast, altitude 1,150 feet above sea level (c. 350 meters). Crop yield is 1.2 kilos per vine, harvested the first 20 days of October (generally around Oct. 10th-20th). The wine is aged 2 years in French barriques and bottle-aged for a further year.

VINEYARD CHARACTARISTICS
The wine comes from the historical Ginestra cru of Monforte d'Alba, partly from an old vineyard of 0.6 hectares (a little under 1.5 acres) and partly from one planted in 2000, covering 2.5 hectares (6.1 acres), southeasterly exposed on sandier soil (the a

VINIFICATION AND AGING
Vinification is in rotary fermenters, with around 7-10 days’ maceration on the skins. The wine is aged 2 years in French barriques, bottled around mid-July of the 2nd year from harvest, and bottle-aged for a further year previous to release.

TASTING NOTES
Very deep color, ruby to garnet, rich, fruity and persistent bouquet of rose petals, brushwood and berries – particularly blackberries; full-bodied, luscious, round and mellow, with an ideal balance of acidity and tannins.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Best served at 20° C (68° F), decanting 2 hours beforehand. Wonderful with meat-based second courses and seasoned cheeses; the producer suggests pairing it with a typical Piedmontese dish called cacciatora chicken: 4 ripe, peeled tomatoes cut into chunks,

ANALYSIS DATA

Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo
Longevity: Ages beautifully for decades; best not before its fifth year
Production: 
Winemaker: Guido & Fabio Fantino

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points – James Suckling:
“A pretty, layered aroma and elegant, vibrant palate add up to greatness in this structured, complex and age-worthy wine. Balsam, rose petals, violets and cinnamon meet snappy sour cherry, raspberry and star anise on the palate. Best from 2028 and onwards.” (Jan 2024)

95 Points – Vinous Media:
“The 2020 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is ample and resonant in this tasting. As has been the case for a few years now, the Vigna del Gris is marked by finessed tannins, likely a result of older vines and more favorable weather for cooler sites like this one. Dark and ample, with gorgeous textural depth. the Vigna del Gris is so expressive in this tasting. It is another impeccable wine from Conterno-Fantino. Plum, blood orange, chalk and white pepper linger on the persistent finish.” - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)

94 Points – Wine Advocate:
“The 2020 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris exhibits ripe fruit, dried cherry skin, plum, oak spice, medicinal cherry or cola, classic baking spice and coconut flakes. There is plenty of fruit on the palate, and it's not going anywhere soon, so you have some legroom for aging. The acidity and the tannins are balanced, and only the oak feels a little too prominent. Give it time. 9,000 bottles were made.” - Monica Larner (Apr 2024)

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
“The ruby-colored 2020 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Del Gris, which is sourced from 30-year-old vines, is floral and inviting with perfumed layers of mixed berries, preserved strawberries, wet stones, and herbes de Provence. The palate offers more structure and more pronounced citrus orange tones, with ripe tannins and a great finish. This will be a very appealing drink over the next 12-15 years.” (May 2024)