CONTERNO FANTINO BAROLO GINESTRA VIGNA DEL GRIS 2019

Style: Savoury & Detailed

Perched above the village of Monforte d'Alba is the cantina and tasting room of Conterno Fantino; the result of a collaboration that began in 1982 between Guido Fantino and Claudio Conterno and which has since become one of the great addresses of the "commune". In total the estate covers 25 hectares with the main Barolo crus coming from the Ginestra vineyard with the exception of Mosconi which sits opposite and at slightly higher altitude. In style the two men were early devotees of the emerging modern style of Baroli being made by the likes of Sandrone and Altare and have always favoured this method of working for their own wines; short fermentations in rotofermenters and maturation in small French oak being the order of the day. Having said that, like many like-minded producers new oak is being wound back and some Barolo now spends time on large Slavonian wood.

The 2019 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is another terrific wine from Conterno-Fantino. Crushed flowers, cedar, pipe tobacco, mint, dried flowers and worn-in leather give the 2019 striking aromatic presence. Here, too, Fabio Conterno has done a terrific job in taming the Monforte tannins. The Gris never has the completeness of the other crus, but in 2019 it is positively striking. I would drink this ahead of the other 2019s. ANTONIO GALLONI

Region: Piedmonte, ITALY

Variety: Nebbiolo

ABV: 13%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of,

a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavor to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.