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

$70 - $120

Tasting profile

Closed bouquet with aromas of red cherries, rose petals, tar, and hints of earth and spice. Powerful palate with firm tannins and crisp acidity.

Evolution: Over the next 5-10 years, tertiary notes of leather, truffle, and dried herbs will emerge while tannins soften.

At peak: Complex bouquet with elegant balance between fruit, earth, and tertiary nuances. Silky tannins and long finish.

Structure

Acidity

High vibrant acidity providing balance and freshness

Tannins

Firm, grippy tannic structure typical of Barolo

Alcohol

14.0%-14.5%

Aging potential

20-30 years due to Nebbiolo’s structure and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2044

Optimal window

2027 to 2047

Current status

Early drinking phase, approaching maturity

Current condition

Tightly structured with primary fruit and firm tannins

The 2019 vintage is recognized as very good but not the top echelon compared to classics like 2016 or 2010. The structure and balance of Nebbiolo from Poderi Aldo Conterno’s Cicala vineyard allow extended aging, with peak drinking expected 10-15 years post-vintage when secondary and tertiary characteristics harmonize.

Food pairing

Ideal with rich northern Italian cuisine such as braised beef, roasted game, mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow complex aromas to fully express

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Poderi Aldo Conterno employs careful vineyard management with limited chemical intervention, promotes soil health and water conservation, and uses natural yeast fermentations. Packaging uses standard glass bottles and cork closures with minimalistic printing to reduce waste.

While not fully organic or biodynamic, Poderi Aldo Conterno practices sustainability through traditional environmentally conscious viticulture and moderate chemical use. Energy consumption and water use are controlled, but lack formal certifications and carbon offset programs. Packaging is conventional but efficient. Overall sustainability score is above average but with room for improvement in certification and carbon management.