At a glance

Producer

Giacomo Conterno

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$250 - $400 per bottle

Tasting profile

Dominated by primary aromas of rose petal, cherry, tar, and herbs with strong tannic grip; palate is austere and powerful

Evolution: Develops complex tertiary notes of truffle, leather, dried herbs, and earthy nuances over time

At peak: Rich, silky texture combined with elegant complexity and refined tannins

Structure

Acidity

High, bright acidity providing ageworthiness and freshness

Tannins

Firm, gripping and pronounced characteristic of classic Barolo

Alcohol

Approximately 14-14.5%

Aging potential

30-40+ years under proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2054

Optimal window

2027 to 2057

Current status

Early maturation, still very youthful and developing

Current condition

Tight tannins with pronounced acidity and primary fruit; not yet ready for drinking

The 2017 vintage in Barolo, considered good but slightly cooler and less opulent than 2016 or 2015, benefits from extended maturation. The Cascina Francia vineyard is one of the most prestigious crus for Giacomo Conterno, delivering highly structured and age-worthy Nebbiolo with capacity to evolve over decades.

Food pairing

Classic pairing with rich, hearty Piedmontese dishes: braised beef, wild game, truffle dishes, aged cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and allow aromas to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Traditional viticulture with low intervention, manual harvesting, limited use of chemicals, focus on soil health; energy use moderately optimized

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Giacomo Conterno practices careful vineyard management respecting terroir with minimal chemical treatments. Energy use and water conservation efforts are increasing but not extensively documented. The wine’s high quality and longevity encourage thoughtful consumption vs disposable styles.