Conterno-Fantino, Barolo, Vigna del Gris, 2015
Conterno Fantino, founded in 1982, testifies to the talent and vision of Claudio Conterno, vineyard manager and co-proprietor, and his friend and partner, Guido Fantino, who styles the wines. Like Claudio and Guido themselves, tradition and innovation are close friends at Conterno Fantino. French oak barriques and new wood marry Piedmont’s own, blockbuster structure, opulent, tightly knit texture, magnificent tannins and rich, layered flavors. Today, the property comprises 64 acres under vine, but Conterno Fantino’s initial nucleus dates back to the 1800s.
Castello Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino, 2015
Deep red color with violet reflections at this young age. The bouquet is complex but not yet complete, already showing hints of plum jam and blackberries, as well as mineral notes. The body is robust with a good, yet untamed, structure, typical of this powerful vintage. Great aging potential.
Ceretto Monsordo Bernardina, Barbaresco, Asij
In search of the cru, a revolutionary idea The quest of the brothers Bruno and Marcello Ceretto was to select vineyards in the most valuable positions historically. This idea came about during a trip to Burgundy, and would prove the family’s insight and see their Barolo and Barbaresco wines among the most popular in the world. A revolution at the time, for a territory in which the concept of cru was totally unknown, but, above all, a brilliant idea.
Fuligni, Brunello di Montalcino, 2015
The purity of fruit on the nose is perfection with cherries, crushed raspberries, mineral, pumice and citrus fruit. Dust, too. Full body. Powerful, chewy tannins. So long and muscular, yet polished and formed.
Pio Cesare, Barbaresco, 2015
A very classic Barbaresco, elegant with ripe and spicy fruit, great depth and complexity. The mild and ripe tannins provide this wine with gentleness and finesse, but also strength and opulence. Very long ageing potential..
Poderi Luigi Einaudi, Barolo, Ludo 2015
It all began in 1897, when 23-year-old Luigi Einaudi (who was to become Italy’s first President in 1948) purchased the first of the Einaudi estates (poderi) at San Giacomo, near Dogliani, in the heart of Dolcetto country. Today, his great-grandson Matteo Sardagna orchestrates production with technical director, Lorenzo Raimondi, and winemaker, Beppe Caviola. Some of the region’s finest vineyard sites are assembled under the Einaudi umbrella. Today, the total surface area of the property, which is made up of twelve farmsteads, is 358 acres, 111 of which are under vine.
Renieri, Brunello di Montalcino, 2015
A deep, intense ruby red introduces an impressively complex, multi-layered nose characterized by dark red berry fruit, vanilla, and abundant notes of pungent pencil lead and tobacco leaf. The wine shows considerable power on the palate, held nicely in check by supple tannins. The finish is notable not only for its elegant balance but for its length as well, lingering on the taster�s palate for many minutes.
Vietti, Barolo, Castiglione 2016
Based in Castiglione Falletto in Piedmont's Langhe wine region, the Vietti winery is owned by the family's fourth generation. In 1919 Mario Vietti made the first Vietti labeled wines. By mid-century Alfredo Currado married Mario's daughter and made a name for Vietti's single vineyard Barbera and Barolo. Alfredo was one of the first to select and vinify grapes from single vineyards, a radical concept at the time.
Zeta, Brunello di Montalcino
Five generations. Almost an hundred year in this land. The Zannoni arrived at ”La Fortuna” back in 1907. Angiolino and Quirina got married and started working in the farm armed with courage and determination and a true entrepreneurial spirit. Wine production was small, but it was red and good. In 1950, Angiolino and Quirina hand over the management of the farm to their son, and daughter-in-law, Iva. It was the brainchild of Gino and Iva Zannoni, independent farmers ever since 1965, the year they purchased the farmstead.