Some wineries are part of wine history, while others also represent a particular way of understanding wine. Giacomo Conterno belongs to that rare category of estates admired by the world’s great Barolo enthusiasts for the distinctive character of its wines, its history, and the uncompromising standards behind every bottle.
We had been especially looking forward to this visit. The opportunity to discover the winery firsthand and learn about its philosophy was something we approached with great excitement. The experience became even more special thanks to the warm welcome from the family and the opportunity to explore the estate accompanied personally by Roberto Conterno
A History Shaped by the Greatness of Barolo
The history of Giacomo Conterno dates back to the early twentieth century, in Monforte d’Alba, in the heart of the Langhe. From its beginnings, the estate has built its identity around a clear vision: producing Barolos that express their terroir and have the ability to evolve in the bottle for decades.
The next generation, led by Giovanni Conterno, helped establish the winery’s reputation. A decisive moment came in 1974, with the acquisition of Cascina Francia, a vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba that would become a fundamental reference for the estate.
Today, Roberto Conterno represents the third generation of this family story. His work keeps that heritage alive, with extraordinary attention to the vineyards, grape selection, and every stage of the winemaking process
Roberto Conterno: Precision, High Standards and Respect for Wine
One of the greatest privileges of our visit was being welcomed by Roberto Conterno himself, who personally guided us around the winery. We would especially like to thank him for his time and generosity in introducing us to the world of Giacomo Conterno.
During the visit, we were struck by his meticulous nature and the precision devoted to every detail. At an estate with such an important history, you can sense the commitment to preserving its distinctive identity and a winemaking philosophy that respects the origin and potential of every wine.
Giacomo Conterno’s reputation has been built on this combination of tradition, high standards, and exceptional ageing potential. Its Barolos are crafted to evolve over time and express the character of the Langhe in remarkable depth.
A Tasting with Roberto Conterno
After exploring the winery, one of the moments we had most eagerly anticipated arrived: sitting down to taste different wines from the estate alongside Roberto Conterno himself. Tasting different cuvées and vintages at the winery, while listening to his explanations, allowed us to discover each wine from a much more personal perspective.
The tasting offered an opportunity to appreciate the nuances of each wine and the differences between vintages. Beyond the labels themselves, sharing this moment with Roberto and learning firsthand about the philosophy behind his wines was especially enriching.
One of the most memorable moments of the tasting was the Barolo Riserva Monfortino 2019, one of Giacomo Conterno’s most iconic wines. Being able to taste it at the winery, after exploring the estate and sharing the experience with Roberto Conterno, made the moment particularly unforgettable.
Monfortino holds a unique place in the history of Barolo. It represents the estate’s most exacting philosophy and is produced only in selected vintages, with extraordinary potential to evolve in the bottle.
For us, tasting it there was one of those privileges that stays with you long after you return home.
A Gesture That Made the Visit Even More Special
There was one gesture from Roberto Conterno that made the visit even more memorable. When he learned that my passion and professional work are closely connected to the world of sparkling wines, he kindly opened a bottle of Jefferson, the sparkling rosé made by Nervi–Conterno from Nebbiolo using the traditional method.
It was a gesture I particularly appreciated. After discovering some of the estate’s great wines, being able to share this bottle as well gave the experience a deeply personal meaning. It was a generous gesture that reflected Roberto’s hospitality and his attentiveness to the interests of those who visit the winery
