Diego Conterno co-founded Conterno-Fantino with his cousins in the early 1980s, but grew weary of the modernist [ok, oaky] streak that took over Barolo in the 1990s. He wanted to make a more stripped-down, PURE expression of Nebbiolo from his family holdings in Monforte d’Alba, and nailed it. He and son Stefano made this wine from parcels in Bricco San Pietro, San Giovanni, and the grand dame, Ginestra, each vinified separately and blended to exquisite perfection. It’s a cappella Barolo of terroir and soulful dedication.

Why You’ll Love It

• Traditional upbringing: no oak to get in the way of this pure strawberry, red rose, and gorgeously musky aromatics that Nebbiolo lovers crave. Raised in concrete and neutral Stockinger 50L botti.

• Incredibly expressive and perfumed Barolo. Piedmont guru Antonio Galloni once wrote, “check out these wines before they become better known.”

• 100% natural wine. Organically farmed, made with indigenous yeast, given minimal sulfur at bottling.

How to Serve it

• Age for up to 10 years; firm tannins and ample acidity will carry the wine in the cellar.

• Decant for one hour and serve at 60℉ in Nebbiolo stems or Burgundy bowls.

• Pair with beef cheeks braised in Nebbiolo d’Alba, garlic, and black pepper, finished with fried shiitake mushrooms and served over buttered egg noodles.