Based in the legendary Bussia Cru, the Daniele Conterno winery is a star on the rise. Coming from Barolo nobility, Daniele’s father is Franco Conterno and his grandfather was superstar Giacomo Conterno. The winery produces a variety of bottlings and has plots in a number of Barolo Crus including Pugnane (Castiglione Falletto), Panerole (Novello) and Bussia (Monforte d’Alba). These sites vary considerably in the way they express their unique terroir in the wines with Bussia producing the most ageworthy wines layered with sweet, ripe tannin.
Starting in 2015 the winery has been a certified organic producer, dedicating its focus on the production of natural vineyard cultivation. No synthetic chemical or genetically modified organisms are used in the growing of their vines and vinification is carried out using exclusively oenological products and processes that are approved under European Regulation 203/2012. This approach ensures the terroir driven character of the Langhe predominantly appears in our wines.
I characterize their winemaking style as progressive, embodying both traditional and modern techniques, which captures the essence of the Piedmont region. Total production is approximately 72,000 bottles. All the wines were tasted multiple times.
2017 Daniele Conterno, Barbera d’Alba Superiore (RT92) 25,00 bottle production. Crafted from fruit sourced from Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Novello, aged for one year in Slavonian botti. Showing a medium ruby hue with a purplish tinge, bright notes of sweet red raspberry, mentholated cherry, herbs and hints of lavender dominate. The palate is rich, ripe and well balanced with tasty fresh acidity that maintains its food-friendly character. A beautifully crafted expression of the grape and a terrific food wine. This should be an excellent mid-term ageworthy bottling. The previous vintage was a “Hot Pick” on my website and this vintage is even tastier! Drink now-2029+
2017 Daniele Conterno, Nebbiolo d’Alba (RT90) Production 15,000 bottles. From fruit grown in Monforte d’Alba and Madonna di Como, it is barrel aged for 10-12 months in Slavonian oak. Pale translucent ruby, the bouquet is fruity and fresh with inviting strawberry, red raspberry, cinnamon and hints of spiced plum. The palate shows a lighter aspect with fresh acidity and soft, supple tannins. Drink now-2023+
2014 Daniele Conterno, Barolo (RT91+) Production 12,000 bottles. Coming from Bussia, Panerole and Pugnane crus from a combination of Michet and Lampia clones, aged 24 months in Slavonian botti. Reveals a classic translucent medium ruby hue with a copper/garnet cast. The vintage leverages the supple, early drinking side of Barolo with notes of dried cherry, cranberry, anise and rose petal. Hints of cardamom and truffle emerge with time in the glass. The palate is soft and approachable in its delivery with easy going tannin and gentle acidity. This is a great, “restaurant” vintage, perfect for near term enjoyment. Drink now-2029+
2013 Daniele Conterno, Barolo, Panerole (RT93+) Production 10,000 bottles. Coming from the Panerole cru in Novello, aged for 30 months in Slavonian botti. Medium ruby garnet, the terrific vintage characteristics shine through with lifted notes of menthol, red cherry, balsam, minerals and white flowers. This is firm, structured and wound up tightly in the mouthfeel, packed with fresh red berries, black cherries and reveals wonderful tannin management combined with brisk acidity. Its huge curb appeal keeps you returning for another sip. Excellent aging potential but drinking very well now with a good, oxygenating decant. Drink 2023-2035+
2013 Daniele Conterno, Barolo Riserva, Bussia (RT95) Production 7,000 bottles. Sourced from the superb Bussia cru, this is aged for 48 months in large, 45-50HL French oak botti (think Bruno Giacosa). Showing a darker, deeper ruby hue than the Panerole, the Bussia terroir shines through in spades with dark, ripe cherry, sous bois, steely minerality and hints of truffle and mushroom. This is a big, broad shouldered wine packed with power and muscle. In the mouth its elegance takes center stage as succulent, rich fruit intertwines with magnificently balanced acidity and ripe, sweet tannin. Stunning in every dimension. Drink 2023-2040+
