Acclaim

Among the 27 hectares of Conterno Fantino is Vigna Ped, an east-facing cru within the Mosconi MGA. Similar to Ginestra, in 2017 it seems to be a bit rounder and less austere. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation naturally in the spring. It displays intense leafy lightness with wild strawberry puree and liquorice root, but also whiffs of truffle and cocoa powder. The attack is firm and assertive, with both acidity and tannins – which are large, grainy and ripe. The structure is well balanced by fruit concentration, vibrancy and complexity. Despite its meatiness, it’s not ready to drink yet. For the long haul.” -Aldo Fioredelli, Decanter, Jun. 2021

A generous, fruity Barolo with ripe, polished tannins to the vivid fruit and citrusy acidity. It’s full-bodied and rather round with a soft, juicy finish. Very fresh. Subtle. Drink in 2024 and onwards.  – James Suckling, Jun. 2021

Noticeably rich and sweetly scented, the 2018 Bianco Peloro, a blend of 65% Grillo and 35% Carricante, opens up to offer notes of melon and mango, almond paste and hints of vanilla custard. It’s silky and pliant, with waves of ripe orchard fruits complemented by sweet spices and hints of hazelnut. For all of its richness, the Peloro still comes across as nicely balanced and fresh, as it concludes with hints of raw honey and salted toffee.” -Eric Guido, Vinous, Jun. 2019

The 2017 Faro captivates the senses with a darkly alluring bouquet of ripe plums, rich brown spice and hints of cacao and tobacco. This is silky and pliant in feel, motivated by brisk acids, as a display of mineral-tinged black fruits and savory herbs fleshes out across the palate. A subtle coating of fine tannin frames the expression nicely as the 2017 finishes with persistence, resonating on inner earth notes and florals and a hint of blueberry skins and sour citrus. This is gorgeous today, yet it also possesses medium-term cellaring potential. Le Casematte Faro is a blend of 55% Nerello Mascalese, 25% Nerello Cappuccio, 10% Nocera and 10% Nero d’Avola. -Eric Guido, Vinous, Jun. 2019

Darkly elegant and poised, the 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante slowly comes to life. Exotic spice scents emerge, mixed with smoky crushed stone, dried roses and black cherries. It’s silky-smooth with medium-bodied weight, complemented by bright acidity and a cooling mix of red and blue fruits. Sweet tannins and minerals mingle through the long, mouthwatering finale, leaving a lightly structured feel as inner violet florals slowly fade. This is incredibly pretty and already highly enjoyable, yet has short-term cellaring potential as well. Nicely done!  – Eric Guido, Vinous, Jun. 2021

The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Santo Spirito is poised, mixing young strawberries with hints of sour citrus and spice. It’s soft in texture with a ripe yet pure display of red and hints of blue fruits. A zing of minerals and grippy tannins resonates, adding more of a sense of grip than structure, as the 2016 closes with sweet inner florals. Drink this unassuming and easy-to-like Santo Spirito over the next few years. – Eric Guido, Vinous, Jun. 2021

The 2015 Etna Rosso Vigna Barbagalli pulls you close to the glass with its seductive bouquet of ripe cherries, plums and hints of sage, cinnamon and dusty clove. This is silky yet surprisingly lifted in feel and focused on purity, the red berries and herbs coasting along a core of vibrant acids. Grippy tannins come forward through the finale, along with a tension-building mix of tart berries and balsamic spices, all under an air of sweet tobacco. While this comes across as youthfully structured, I believe the 2015 is really showing quite well now and may lose the balance of its primary fruit if held longer than a few years. – Eric Guido, Vinous, Jun. 2021

The 2019 Etna Bianco, a varietal Carricante, is savory and floral with notes of crushed raw almond giving way to flint, yellow florals and freshly sliced pear. It’s silky in texture yet salty to the core, blending brisk acids with tart Granny Smith apples and hints of wild herbs. The cheeks pucker with residual tension. This finishes poised yet also mouthwatering, with a lingering minerality that keeps you coming back to the glass for more. Well done, and a really great value as well. – Eric Guido, Vinous, Jun. 2021

The 2019 Etna Rosso blossoms with pretty rose notes, wild herbs and strawberries. It’s soft and enveloping, balancing a pleasant inner sweetness with energizing acidity and tart wild berries. A gentle layer of tannin adds lovely grip, as this finishes long with notes of licorice and blueberry skins. The 2019 is a harmonious beauty that has me seriously looking forward to tasting the single-vineyard wines of this vintage. – Eric Guido, Vinous, Jun. 2021

This is very structured with fantastic tannins that frame the wine. Dark fruit with ripe strawberries, as well as wet earth and dried black truffles. Full and chewy. Tight finish. Needs four or five years to open. Try after 2025.” – James Suckling, May 2021