Giacomo Conterno 'Cerretta', Barolo DOCG, Italy 2019

For 45 years, until his death in 2004, Giovanni Conterno forged a reputation as perhaps the greatest of all Barolo producers, irrespective of style. The wines he made were the quintessence of “traditional” Barolo: rich, powerful, massively structured, and capable of long development in bottle. 

Giovanni left the world many great vintages of Barolo, including 1964, 1971, 1978, 1985, 1990, 1996, 1999 and 2001. But possibly his greatest legacy was to hand over his important work to his gifted son Roberto. A brilliant winemaker in his own right, Roberto not only shares his father’s gifts but is equally determined to uphold his family’s traditions. He could have followed other young Langhe winemakers into modernism, but he never will. In his words, the wines of Giacomo Conterno will always belong to the generations that came before him.

The ‘Cerretta’ vineyard was purchased in 2008 and has only elevated the winery’s knockout line up. The wine is elegant and ageworthy, marked by fragrant notes of red fruit, forest floor, and tobacco. Bright acidity and gritty tannins ensure a long, complex life ahead. Lay down and revisit in 7-10 years. 

"The 2019 Barolo Cerretta is stunning already, offering wonderful floral notes as well as pure red fruits and delicate, smoky incense. It is linear and persistent but remains elegant, with notable but refined tannins. Tightly coiled and energetic, with blood orange, bergamot, and crushed stones, this rocky, vibrant red can be enjoyed 2026-2046+." Jeb Dunnuck 99+