Diego Conterno Barolo Del Comune di Monforte d’Alba 2021

Diego Conterno Barolo Del Comune di Monforte d’Alba 2021

“Comune di” is a new designation in Barolo, a way for winemakers to honor the traditions and character of Barolo’s historic villages. Here Diego and Stefano select older vine fruit from their holdings in ‘Pajana,’ a part of the larger ‘Ginestra’ vineyard, and from ‘Gris,’ both located on the eastern slopes of Monforte.

WINERY: Azienda Agricola Diego Conterno

WINEMAKERS: Diego Conterno and son, Stefano Conterno

ESTABLISHED: 2003

REGION: ITALY • Piedmont • Monforte d’Alba

APPELLATION: Barolo DOCG

BLEND: 100% Nebbiolo

VINEYARDS: A selection of fruit from plots within the larger ‘Ginestra’ vineyard: ‘Pajana’ (facing east) and ‘Ciabot’ (facing southeast), each vinified separately. Altitude ranges from 900 to 1,020 feet. Soils mix clay, sand and limestone marl.

AGE OF VINES: 20 years, on average

WINEMAKING: Hand-harvested. Destemmed; fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled steel tank. Aged in Stockinger oak cask (“botti,” 50HL) for 24 months; then eight months in cement tank before bottling.

TASTING IMPRESSIONS: Aromas of pie cherries, dried wildflowers, menthol notes, orange peel, warm spice. Medium-bodied, balanced; savory tannins.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Grilled sausage; slow-braised meats; mushroombased dishes

NOTES: The “comune di” Barolo designation is reserved for Barolo wines in which 85% of the grapes hail from a single “comune” or village.

Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck – “Boasting a deeper ruby color, the 2021 Diego Conterno Barolo Del Comune Di Monforte D’Alba is pure, with darker undertones in its notes of black cherry liqueur, violets, turned earth, and polished leather. A lovely wine all around, the palate is pure, structured, and deep, with ripe tannins that have a compact feel as well as good concentration and clarity throughout. It’s dark yet remains focused. Bravo. Drink 2026-2046.” (94 Pts)