Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba "Cerretta" DOC 2021 [750 ml]
(Piedmont, Italy) - [VM 94] [JS 94]

The Conterno crown jewel, Monfortino, is not only arguably the greatest Barolo; it was also the very first Barolo made in what has come to be known as the classic style.

At the time that Giovanni Conterno’s father Giacomo served in World War I, Barolo was generally sold in either cask or demijohn, meant for early drinking. But when Giacomo returned from the war, he decided to create a Barolo with immense aging potential. His first wine was a 1920 Barolo Riserva, and he soon adopted the name Monfortino in honor of his home village Monforte d’Alba.

For the next 54 years, Giacomo—and then his son Giovanni—made Barolo in much the same way. Two Barolos were made, always from purchased grapes, the main distinction being fermentation technique and time in cask.

Giovanni left the world many great vintages of Barolo, including 1964, 1971, 1978, 1985, 1990, 1996, 1999 and 2001. But possibly his greatest legacy was to hand over his important work to his gifted son Roberto. A brilliant winemaker in his own right, Roberto not only shares his father’s gifts but is equally determined to uphold his family’s traditions. He could have followed other young Langhe winemakers into modernism, but he never will. In his words, the wines of Giacomo Conterno will always belong to the generations that came before him.

About the Wine: Source is 1 ha of Barbera from primarily western-exposed Cerretta vineyard. Fermented ~2 weeks in wooden vats with regular breakingup of the caps. Aged 2 years in large cask

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Cerretta is bright, focused and nervy. Blood orange, red cherry fruit, spice and mint all race across the palate. There's tremendous energy and tension running through the 2021. Vibrant saline notes round out the finish." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"A racy and fine red with tangy acidity and bright red fruit. Orange peel. Medium body, fine tannins. Lovely finish. Two years in casks. Classy. Drink or hold." (Aug 2023)