At a glance

Producer

Giacomo Conterno

Region

Barolo, Piemonte, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150-$200

Tasting profile

Dense aromas of tar, rose petals, cherry, dried herbs and earth; palate is tannic, structured, and austere

Evolution: Over 10+ years, develops silky tannins, more complex aromatics of truffles, dried violets, and hints of spice

At peak: At peak, shows refined balance with layers of fruit, earth, and floral notes, and a long persistent finish

Structure

Acidity

High

Tannins

High and firm

Alcohol

14.0-14.5%

Aging potential

30-40 years, especially given the vintage quality and producer reputation

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2035 to 2053

Optimal window

2030 to 2056

Current status

Early stages of bottle aging, still very young

Current condition

Tannins are firm and tight with pronounced acidity; requires significant aging

The Nebbiolo grape's high tannin and acid levels combined with Giacomo Conterno's traditional winemaking techniques provide the structure for very long aging. The Francia vineyard is renowned for producing particularly concentrated fruit. The 2021 vintage in Piemonte was good with sufficient ripeness and acidity, supporting a long maturation curve.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich meat dishes such as braised beef, wild game, truffle-infused cuisine, aged cheeses, and hearty risottos.

Serving

Serving temperature

18-20°C / 64-68°F

Decant

Yes (2-3 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic development on this young, structured Nebbiolo

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Giacomo Conterno employs traditional, low-intervention viticulture and winemaking practices emphasizing vineyard health; likely uses natural yeast fermentations and minimal inputs in the cellar

While not officially certified organic or biodynamic, the producer's long-standing commitment to traditional, natural viticulture practices supports sustainability. Water use and energy conservation are traditional but not highly documented. Packaging uses standard glass bottles and cork closures, with modest efforts in waste reduction. Overall, sustainability is good but could be improved with formal certifications and renewable energy use.