Giacomo Conterno Barolo "Arione" DOCG 2021
(Piedmont, Italy) - [VM 97]

About the Winery:
Founded in the 1920s, Giacomo Conterno is an iconic Piedmont estate currently owned and operated by Roberto, grandson of the winery founder and namesake. Giacomo was assisted by his brother Aldo Conterno for many years before Aldo left to establish his own eponymous winery, pursuing a different style of winemaking altogether. Along with Gaja and Bruno Giacosa, the winery is considered to be one of the premier producers of fine Barolo.

For 45 years, until his death in 2004, Giacomo’s son Giovanni Conterno forged a reputation as perhaps the greatest of all Barolo producers, irrespective of style. The wines he made were the quintessence of “traditional” Barolo: rich, powerful, massively structured, and capable of long development in bottle. Giovanni left the world many great vintages of Barolo, 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. 

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. In 1974, Giovanni acquired the Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga. With its fabulous exposure, the site was perfect for the powerful Conterno style, and Giovanni immediately stopped buying grapes, relying on approximately 9 hectares of Nebbiolo to produce on average 600 cases of Monfortino and 1500 cases of Cascina Francia. Cascina Francia also held 5 hectares of Barbera, giving Giovanni the material to produce one of the Langhe’s finest, and most sought-after, Barberas. [An Italian law change required that Cascina Francia be renamed simply “Francia” with the 2010 Barolo vintage.] 

Two thousand eight marked a new milestone for Giacomo Conterno, when Roberto, was able to purchase land in the prized Cerretta vineyard. An even greater coup occurred in 2015, when Roberto was able to acquire virtually all of the Arione cru. Adjacent to Cascina Francia, it shares similar soils, but may have an even better southern exposure. (Bruno Giacosa helped to make Arione legendary with a series of great Barolos in the 1970s.) 

What's really important here are the Conterno family's winemaking traditions, and they remain unchanged. The extended fermentations would be recognized by his grandfather. Like his father, Roberto is patient in raising his wines. Consequently, the period from harvest to release is two years for his Barberas, four years for the Baroli, and approximately seven years for Barolo “Monfortino.”

About this Wine:
Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo Arione is sourced from one of its iconic single vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, where limestone-clay soils impart powerful structure. The 2021 vintage shows precise Nebbiolo fruit balanced by firm tannins. This cuvée sits just below his reserve Monfortino, representing his core expression of Arione terroir.

Hand-harvested grapes undergo native yeast fermentation and age for two years in large Slavonian oak casks. The result is a serious, terroir-driven Barolo with energy and aging potential—elegant yet structured, true to Conterno’s traditional pedigree.

Ratings & Reviews

97+ Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Barolo Arione is a wine of exquisite finesse and elegance. The bouquet alone is immediately arresting. Then again, that is such an Arione signature. Sage, rose petal, mint, orange peel and dried flowers begin to emerge over time. Nearly seamless tannins and exceptional balance add to its total allure, while strong floral and savory accents punctuate the finish. (Drink between 2029-2046)" - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2025)