Aldo Conterno 2022 Pre-Order
Aldo Conterno is one of the greatest producers, not just in Barolo, but in all of Italy. The wines below represent some of the finest examples of Nebbiolo and traditional Barolo production in all of Piemonte. Located in Monforte d’Alba, Aldo Conterno harvests grapes from the single vineyard Cru called Bussia. The Bussia cru is among the great vineyards in all of Barolo, and happens to be one of the largest single vineyard designates as well. Inside of the Bussia cru, there are a number of smaller vineyard sections that are awarded their own cru status. These include the top sites of Bussia Soprana, Romirasco, Cicala, and Colonnello. The ‘basic’ Bussia Barolo from Conterno is taken mostly from younger vines in these tremendous crus. These wines are at the pinnacle of traditional winemaking in Barolo, featuring long macerations, extended aging in large Slavonian oak botti, and manual vineyard practices. The wines are extremely age-worthy as each can easily live 25+ years.
This is a pre-order offering of Aldo Conterno’s Barolos. Pricing offered is below MSRP on official release. Wines will be available for pickup from Pane e Vino in late October - mid November. After ordering, an invoice will be sent to you within 24 hours. If for any reason, I am not able to receive a full allocation of the ordered wines, you will be refunded the full amount. Descriptions of the available wines are below, as well as a brief primer on Barolo and a description of the 2022 vintage. Payment is preferred by check or Venmo. Credit card payments will be accepted with a 3% fee.
ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59pm THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1.
ALDO CONTERNO BAROLO PRE-ORDER FORM
THE WINES
Aldo Conterno, Barolo ‘Bussia’ 2022: pre-order price, $105/btl (reg. $120/btl)
Although this could be considered the ‘basic’ Barolo from Aldo Conterno, there is nothing ‘basic’ about it. 100% Nebbiolo sourced from the best parts of the Bussia cru, this wine harkens to the old-school Barolos of the past. The Bussia is powerful, dense, and extremely aromatic. Firm tannins, deep red fruits, tar, and herbal notes. Best drunk 2028-2035.
Aldo Conterno, Barolo ‘Cicala’ 2022: pre-order price, $220/btl (reg. $250/btl)
The Cicala vineyard boasts 50 year old vines and produces the most tannic and powerful of the cru Barolos. Classic notes of roses, tar, minerals, and cherries are layered with earthy notes and smoke. This wine rewards patience and is always a stunner, and is often the most age-worthy of the Conterno lineup. Best drunk 2030-2040.
Aldo Conterno, Barolo ‘Colonnello’ 2022: pre-order price, $220/btl (reg. $250/btl)
Facing southwest and holding vines of 35-40 years, the Colonnello cru typically produces a combination of elegance and power. Anise, roses, plums, cherries, and minerality with sweet tannins. Long and perfumed in the finish. While this wine is typically a bit more approachable when young than Cicala, it has no trouble aging for decades. Best drunk 2030-2040.
Aldo Conterno, Barolo ‘Romirasco’ 2020: pre-order price, $350/btl (reg. $400/btl)
Romirasco is a special site owned entirely by Aldo Conterno. The soil is rich in calcareous clay and iron, leading to the powerful structure of the wine and the deep minerality. At a slightly higher elevation, it has pristine acidity and is vibrant with more floral notes, balsamic, licorice, and letter. Classic red fruits and a long finish reward the drinker. The Romirasco vineyard contributes as much as 70% of the fruit to the Riserva Granbussia. Best drunk 2030-2040.
About Barolo and the 2022 Vintage
Barolo Basics
Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
Aging: 3 years total, minimum 18 months in oak
these wines are traditional in style, aged in large Slavonian oak botti
Region: Piemonte – Northern Italy
The 2022 Vintage
Aldo Conterno farms some of the great sites within Bussia in Monforte d’Alba, and their 2022 wines are showing just how much producer matters in a difficult vintage. The growing season was marked by severe drought, sustained heat, and very little rainfall, putting real stress on the vines and making site, vine age, and careful selection especially important. I have followed these wines for years, and Conterno remains one of the benchmark names in Barolo. Their experience and rigorous selection seem to have paid off in 2022. The single-vineyard wines have received excellent reviews, with scores reaching 100 points, and Cicala and Romirasco have drawn particular attention.