At a glance

Producer

Poderi Aldo Conterno

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$80-$120

Tasting profile

Aromas of rose petals, tar, truffles, cherries, and ripe red fruit with earthy undertones; palate is powerful with pronounced tannins and vibrant acidity.

Evolution: Will develop tertiary notes of leather, underbrush, and dried herbs over the next decade.

At peak: Complex bouquet with softened tannins, integrated acidity, and a long, savory finish.

Structure

Acidity

High acidity balanced by fruit intensity

Tannins

Firm, grainy and well-structured

Alcohol

14.0-14.5%

Aging potential

25-35 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2050

Optimal window

2026 to 2053

Current status

Developing; youthful tannins and robust structure

Current condition

Tight tannic grip, fresh acidity, primary fruit and floral notes emerging

This Barolo from Poderi Aldo Conterno, sourced from the Bussia cru, exhibits classic Nebbiolo structure with significant tannin and acidity. The 2018 vintage, a strong year in Piedmont with balanced weather, supports extended aging. The extended peak window is supported by wine experts and the producer’s renowned style, favoring long cellular development.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich red meats, game, mature cheeses, mushroom risotto, and hearty pasta dishes with truffle or red sauce.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and open complex aromatics typical of young Barolo.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

The producer emphasizes low-impact farming, with moderate use of natural cover crops, limited chemical interventions, water conservation methods, and energy-efficient winery operations.

While Poderi Aldo Conterno is not certified organic or biodynamic, the estate employs generally sustainable practices typical of high-quality Piedmont producers, focusing on soil health, balanced ecosystem management, and resource efficiency. The carbon footprint is moderated by regional proximity to markets within Europe, though exports carry the usual international transport emissions. Packaging is traditional but not optimized for sustainability.