Conterno Fantino : Barolo Ginestra "Vigna del Gris" 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for Barolo Ginestra "Vigna del Gris" 2020

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a translucent ruby hue with medium highlights, showing a brightness typical of harmonious ripeness.

Nose

The nose gradually opens on aromas of bright red cherry, strawberry and red berries, accompanied by mineral notes of wet stone. As the wine aerates, the bouquet evolves toward nuances of herbes de Provence, chalk, white pepper and delicate balsamic touches. Aromas of dried fruit, plum, spices and coconut complete this complex aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, this wine reveals a crystalline, elegant structure, carried by finely chiseled tannins. The crisp, invigorating acidity perfectly balances the roundness of ripe fruit. The palate unfolds with breadth and resonance, offering a supple, flowing texture. The finish, of excellent length, lingers on spicy, lightly toasted notes.

Food and wine pairings

This Barolo Ginestra "Vigna del Gris" 2020 is an ideal match for rich, structured dishes from Piedmontese and international cuisine. It pairs perfectly with red meats, game, truffle-based preparations, as well as aged cheeses.

A Barolo from Piedmont combining elegance and complexity by Conterno Fantino

The estate

Founded in 1982 by Guido Fantino and Claudio Conterno, Conterno Fantino has established itself as a benchmark for modernist Barolo in the Langhe area of Piedmont. The estate now spans 27 hectares, exclusively located in Monforte d'Alba. Run by the founding family with the active involvement of the new generation (Fabio, Elisa, Noemi and Matteo), the estate has been cultivating its vineyards under certified organic farming since 2012. Conterno Fantino stands out for its approach balancing technical innovation and respect for tradition, notably through the use of French oak barrels and short fermentations. The House has received Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri 18 times, underscoring its excellence.

The vineyard

The Barolo Ginestra "Vigna del Gris" comes from a historic parcel located in the prestigious Ginestra cru in Monforte d'Alba. The vineyard enjoys a south-southeast exposure at an altitude between 300 and 320 meters. The soils are composed of marine sediments with a significant proportion of sand, clay and limestone, lending the wine finesse and elegance. The vines were planted in two phases, in 1978 and 2000, bringing natural complexity thanks to this diversity of vine ages. The vineyard is farmed organically, with yields limited to 35 hectoliters per hectare.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in Piedmont is considered one of the most seductive and approachable of recent decades. Harvest took place over a compact window, from October 7 to 10, reflecting steady, well-balanced ripening conditions. This vintage is defined by finesse and balance rather than raw power, favoring cooler sites such as Ginestra. The climatic conditions made it possible to obtain grapes of remarkable generosity and balance.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Barolo Ginestra "Vigna del Gris" 2020 are harvested by hand in mid-October. Fermentation and maceration take place in stainless-steel vats for 12 to 15 days, using indigenous yeasts selected by the estate. Aging is then carried out entirely in French oak barrels for 24 months, followed by 12 months of bottle aging before release.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo