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Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva
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Giacomo
Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva:
[jah-ko-mo kon-tehr-no
mon-fo(l)r-tee-no]
Barolo Monfortino Riserva is widely regarded as the most
significant Barolo on the collector’s market. The 1971
Barolo Monfortino is legendary, and this landmark vintage Barolo
is classed among Italy’s definitive cellaring wines.
Cantina Conterno originated in 1908 when Giovanni Conterno began making wines. While not technically labeled Monfortino at the time—the name constituted Giovanni’s homage to his home village of Monforte d’Alba—the now legendary riserva was born in 1912, the product and tangible evocation of Giovanni's emphasis on premium quality Barolo. He regarded the latter as being the exclusive province of great vintages—the wines of which realize prime aging potential through long fermentation and aging periods. His son, Giacomo, not only inherited this philosophy, but afforded it heightened expression.
Barolo Monfortino is crafted exclusively in vintages of the
highest caliber. Between the years of 1959
and 2000, it has made only 22 out of a possible 41 appearances, averaging less
than 600 cases in each vintage. Monfortino
undergoes longer maceration (an average of 35 days, in contrast to the typical
14-day provision) and maturation periods
than those of any other Barolo. While it typically sees six or seven years
in Slavonian oak (DOCG regulations require only two years), certain vintages
have realized 10 years in oak. A wine of
superior structure and ethereal qualities, Monfortino is the most tannic and
longest-lived of all Piemonte’s Barolos.
Only the highest quality Nebbiolo grapes from Cascina Francia
in Serralunga d’Alba are utilized for Giacomo Conterno’s
renowned Barolo Monfortino Riserva. The
densely planted Francia vineyard features a southwest exposure
and rests approximately 500 meters above sea level. The grapes
derived from this site possess tannic depth, creating wines
that possess ideal structure for the cellar.
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Wine: Barolo Riserva
Producer: Giacomo Conterno
Varietal(s): Nebbiolo
Region: Piemonte
Province: Cuneo
Commune: Serralunga d'Alba
Vineyard(s): Cascina Francia
Altitude: 500 meters
Exposure: Southwest
Classification: Barolo DOCG
First Year: 1912
Bottle Production: 5,000 - 7,000 bottles in choice years
More Landmark Wines:
A. Conterno Granbussia
Bartolo Mascarello Barolo
Giacosa Rocche del Falletto
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