At a glance

Producer

Giuseppe Conterno

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

Approximately $700 - $900 retail per 750ml bottle (2024 estimated), based on recent availability from premium Italian and international wine merchants noted on Wine-Searcher and direct auctions (retail, not secondary market auctions). Pricing may vary based on provenance and availability.

Tasting profile

Intense aromas of tar, rose, dried herbs, cherry, and hints of leather and earth dominate. Palate is firm and tannic with flavors of red cherry, plum, licorice, and graphite, showing the austere, powerful youthfulness of Monfortino Riserva.

Evolution: With extended aging, tannins will soften, tertiary aromas of forest floor, truffle, dried roses, and tobacco will emerge, and fruit notes shift toward dried or candied red fruits.

At peak: At peak, expect a harmonious balance of earthiness, floral notes, complex spice, silky tannins, and persistent finish with layered nuances of leather, mineral, and ripe cherry.

Structure

Acidity

High natural acidity, characteristic of Nebbiolo and Barolo terroir, providing excellent freshness and aging backbone.

Tannins

Very firm and well-structured tannins typical of top-tier Barolo Monfortino, supporting long-term aging and currently assertive.

Alcohol

Medium-high (around 14-14.5%), well integrated with structure, enhances richness without overpowering.

Aging potential

At least 30-40 years from vintage, considering producer prestige, vintage quality, and grape variety.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2032 to 2051

Optimal window

2028 to 2054

Current status

Needs aging

Current condition

Youthfully closed with robust tannins and high acidity; best enjoyed after additional cellar aging to reveal complexity and tertiary aromas.

The peak window starting circa 2032 reflects the trajectory where the intense tannic structure and high acidity mellow and integrate fully, revealing developed tertiary complexity and optimal drinking pleasure without loss of freshness. After peak, the wine will gradually shift toward pronounced tertiary notes and eventually decline in freshness.

Food pairing

Pairs classically with rich Piedmontese cuisine: braised beef, slow-cooked lamb, mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, game meats, and aged cheeses like Castelmagno. At peak, it complements more delicate but savory dishes such as foie gras terrine or wild mushroom pasta.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (2+ hours) — Decanting helps soften robust tannins and allows complex aromas to open up, especially for young vintages like 2014.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Emphasis on natural fermentation, minimal intervention, traditional viticulture with respect for the environment.

While not officially certified organic or biodynamic, Giuseppe Conterno’s winery focuses on quality and environmental respect in vineyard management and winemaking.