Conterno Fantino Barolo Vigna Del Gris 750ml

2360120*  

$131.99 $114.69 price per bottle Expert Advice

Review This is a strong set of wines from Conterno-Fantino. I continue to be impressed with the two more recent additions to the range of Barolos. The Castelletto Vigna Pressenda and Barolo Mosconi are both terrific in 2015. The wines saw 12-15 days on the skins in rotary tanks, which is quite a departure from the 1990s, when 6-7 days was more typical. As has been the case for the last few years, the four Barolos are divided essentially into two stylistic camps when it comes to aging. The Barolo Vigna del Gris and Barolo Sori Ginestra, the estate’s flagships, are aged entirely in French oak, although the influence of new barrels has come down. The Castelletto and Mosconi see a year in barrel, but spend their second year in cask, an approach that works beautifully for those two crus. From 2015 Barolo…The Bigger Picture (Feb 2019) by Antonio Galloni
Producer Conterno Fantino, founded in 1982, testifies to the talent and vision of Claudio Conterno, vineyard manager and co-proprietor, and his friend and partner, Guido Fantino, who styles the wines. Like Claudio and Guido themselves, tradition and innovation are close friends at Conterno Fantino. French oak barriques and new wood marry Piedmont’s own, blockbuster structure, opulent, tightly knit texture, magnificent tannins and rich, layered flavors. Today, the property comprises 64 acres under vine, but Conterno Fantino’s initial nucleus dates back to the 1800s. In 1989, Guido and Claudio acquired terrain and built a state-of-the-art new winery inaugurated in 1994. This location is scenically set, dominating the most ancient section of Monforte and overlooked by the majestic sweep of the Alps. The subsequent thirteen years continued in the same vein: cru by cru, for the fullest, most faithful expression of individual terroirs. Conterno Fantino’s initial nucleus is the cru Ginestra: a historical one for Barolo, documented as far back as the 1800s. In 1989, Guido and Claudio acquired terrain from the nearby area of Bricco Bastia, within the commune of Monforte d’Alba. The newest generation has joined the winery in the form of Guido’s children. Fabio Fantino, an enologist, works side by side with his father styling the wines while Elisa handles PR and marketing.