Giacomo Conterno, Arione, Barolo DOCG, Italy, 2021

Overview of the Wine
For 45 years, until his death in 2004, Giovanni Conterno forged a reputation as perhaps the greatest of all Barolo producers, irrespective of style. The wines he made were the quintessence of “traditional” Barolo: rich, powerful, massively structured, and capable of long development in bottle.

For many, his heroic Monfortino—the product of wild temperature swings during fermentation and 6 to 8 years in barrel—is the most perfect expression of the Nebbiolo grape. As for his glorious Barolo Cascina Francia, it has long been the benchmark against which other producers measure their own efforts.

Giovanni left the world many great vintages of Barolo, including 1964, 1971, 1978, 1985, 1990, 1996, 1999 and 2001. But possibly his greatest legacy was to hand over his important work to his gifted son Roberto. A brilliant winemaker in his own right, Roberto not only shares his father’s gifts but is equally determined to uphold his family’s traditions. He could have followed other young Langhe winemakers into modernism, but he never will. In his words, the wines of Giacomo Conterno will always belong to the generations that came before him.

Organic.

Winemaker
Roberto Conterno

Grape / Blend
Nebbiolo

Origin
Piedmont, Italy

Tasting Notes
Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo Arione is sourced from one of its iconic single vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, where limestone-clay soils impart powerful structure. The 2021 vintage shows precise Nebbiolo fruit balanced by firm tannins. This cuvée sits just below his reserve Monfortino, representing his core expression of Arione terroir.

Hand-harvested grapes undergo native yeast fermentation and age for two years in large Slavonian oak casks. The result is a serious, terroir-driven Barolo with energy and aging potential—elegant yet structured, true to Conterno’s traditional pedigree.

97 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Barolo Arione is a wine of exquisite finesse and elegance. The bouquet alone is immediately arresting. Then again, that is such an Arione signature. Sage, rose petal, mint, orange peel and dried flowers begin to emerge over time. Nearly seamless tannins and exceptional balance add to its total allure, while strong floral and savory accents punctuate the finish.

Product size: 750ml