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 Get Back—to make a more stripped-down, PURE expression of Nebbiolo from his family holdings in Monforte d’Alba, and he’s been nailing it ever since. 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.

Diego (no close relation to the Aldo/Giacomo Conterno clan) works alongside his son Stefano every day, farming organically and fermenting with wild yeasts. Their approach marries old-school wisdom with modern precision: temperature-controlled fermentations ensure purity while traditional methods (read: no new oak) preserve the soul of the appellation. What’s in the glass makes you understand why critic Antonio Galloni declared Diego Conterno “an estate to watch.”

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

• Temperature: Serve slightly cool at 58-63°F to highlight its perfumes.
  

• Decanting: 30 minutes of air is a must to help it open up.
  

• Classic pairings: risotto alla milanese, carpaccio with white truffles, or brasato al Barolo.