Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Granbussia 2013
Tax included.
Winery: Aldo Conterno
Vintage: 2013
Grape: Nebbiolo
Drinking window: 2024 - 2060
Region: Piedmont
Production: 3000 bottles
THE ITALIAN GRAPE (97)
This wine from Aldo Conterno is a blend of the finest grapes from their Romirasco, Cicala, and Colonello vineyards. It is a unique wine because it is only produced in the best Barolo vintages and then undergoes a 9-year aging process. It is a bit more balanced than I expected. There is a lot of strength and power, but it is not as heavy-handed as the Cicala, beautifully balanced and almost perfect. The 2013 vintage is somewhat closed and definitely needs another 5+ years to be fully enjoyed. A wine that should not be missing from any Barolo collection. Only 2600 bottles were made.
JAMES SUCKLING (97)
The aromas alone—macerated cherry, plum, menthol, leather, licorice, black pepper and mineral—are worth the price of admission here. Slowly beginning to unfold, this red is still firm and less expressive on the palate, with the addition of oak spice notes. Nevertheless, this is complex, long and sophisticated, with a great future ahead.
About the wine
The Aldo Conterno winery rapidly achieved success due to its high quality and Aldo Conterno's heritage from a renowned family of winegrowers, Giacomo Conterno. The Conterno family's wine production in the Barolo region dates back to the 19th century, initially selling wine in barrels. Aldo's grandfather, Giovanni, pioneered the production of high-quality Barolo Riserva in the 1920s. Aldo's father, Giacomo, further elevated the winery's reputation after taking over in the late 1930s. In 1961, Giacomo's sons took charge, but differing visions led Aldo to pursue his own path. In 1969, Aldo purchased the Fattoria Favot farm in Bussia's prime locations and founded Poderi Aldo Conterno, favoring a softer, fruitier wine style.
The Granbussia comes from the finest Bussia vineyards in Monforte d'Alba, the prized heart of the Barolo region. This land, fresh and robust, is both powerful and sensual, composed of limestone marls and compact sand. Poderi Aldo Conterno and their best Barolo wine understand and express this land very well. They pay close attention and take their time to interpret its characteristics. In the folds of the Bussia hills, the slow, masterful timing of the countryside dictates the perfect moment for the grapes. Aged for over thirty months in oak casks and further refined for six years, the Granbussia embodies the purest and most virtuous essence of three historic Bussia crus: Romirasco, Cicala, and Colonnello. It is produced only in years deemed truly exceptional.
A cooler growing season and late harvest produced wines characterized by purity, finesse, and fine acidity. The 2013 Barolos emphasize finesse above all, appealing to those who appreciate classically crafted wines. While the 2013s have substantial structure, they lack the explosiveness or austerity of vintages like 2006 or 2010.
