1964 Aldo Conterno Barolo
The roots of Poderi di Aldo Conterno stretch deep into the history of the region. The Conterno family have been producing wine near the Monforte d’Alba village since the 19th century, but it was Aldo’s father, Giacomo Conterno, that helped forward Barolo wines’ reputation, achieving critical acclaim in the 1920s with his first bottling of Monfortino.
Aldo and his brother Giovanni inherited the family estate (Giacomo Conterno) in 1961 but Aldo soon decided to branch out on his own. Aldo had spent a few years in the US and came back with new ideas on winemaking which led to ‘artistic’ differences with his brother over the best way to turn the Nebbiolo grape into something magnificent. Hence, Poderi di Aldo Conterno was born in 1969.
After Aldo passed away in 2012, his sons Franco, Stefano and Giacomo took the reins. The Conterno brothers pay close attention to the environment and their vineyard’s health by avoiding use of fertilizers or herbicides (only copper and sulfur are allowed). They also do not clarify or filter their red wines. These methods produce distinct wines that exemplify the character of what are some of the best vineyards in the Langhe region rather than any particular wine market fashion.
Tasting Notes - "Light strawberry red in color. Conterno's 1964 Barolo presents an incredibly fresh, delicate and perfumed nose that continues seamlessly onto the palate, showing flavors of cherries and spices, and finishing with very sweet, soft tannins. I am at a loss to explain or describe this wine's extraordinary youthfulness and sheer appeal. This wine is inviting and refreshing beyond words. My impression is of drinking a stunning wine at its absolute peak. Truly exceptional and unforgettable."
1982 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino
Antonio Galloni - "The advent of modern-day winemaking technology is immediately evident in the stunning 1982 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, arguably Il Poggione's first truly classic wine. The color is clean, the aromas well-articulated and the wine focused, much like the Barolos of the same vintage. On this day the wine is at a glorious peak of expression. It reveals lovely clarity in its red cherries, tobacco, menthol and scorched earth. A model of restrained elegance, it possesses outstanding depth and long, ethereal finish."
