Barbera d’Alba “Vignota” DOC

The Conterno Fantino winery is located atop a hill overlooking the historic village of Monforte d’Alba, with an extraordinary view that extends all the way to the Alps. Founded in 1982 by two friends – Guido Fantino and Claudio Conterno – the winery makes its wines knowing they have been blessed with great heritage in the form of land and vineyards, that go hand and hand with the culture and traditions of the area. In seeking to attain the highest possible quality from these invaluable resources, they pay great attention to the entire production process, carefully adapting to the climactic conditions of each growing season, with particular attention to the different characteristics of each individual cru. Environmental sustainability, preserving biodiversity, and respect for the land and heritage are the guiding principles in their vineyards, which are organically cultivated (as certified by CCPB).

From several different vineyards located on the finest and particularly windy hilltops of Monforte d’Alba. Calcareous marl soil with high percentages of sand and silt and an average altitude of around 350 meters (1,150 feet) above sea level. The vineyards are southeast and southwest facing. Vignota ages in second-use barrique for ten months, followed by two more months of aging in bottle.

Tech Sheet All wines

Wine exported to

Canada, USA, Australia

Most recent awards

2016 | Wine Spectator92
2016 | Wine Advocate91
2014 | Vinous89
2012 | International Wine Cellar90

Grape Varieties:

100% Barbera

Fermentation container:

Stainless steel

Length of alcoholic fermentation:

8-10 days

Type of yeast:

Spontaneous indigenous yeast

Fermentation temperature:

28-30 °C (82.4-86 °F)

Maceration technique:

Rotating paddles

Length of maceration:

8-10 days

Malolactic fermentation:

Yes

Aging containers:

Oak barrels

Container age:

Second use

Type of oak:

Allier /Troncais

Bottling period:

June/July

Aging before bottling:

10 months

Aging in bottle:

2 months

Closure:

Natural Cork

Organic:

Vineyards

Vineyard name:

Different vineyards in Monforte

Vineyard location:

Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont

Vineyard size:

5.4 hectares (13.3 acres)

Soil composition:

Calcareous marl, with a high percentage of silt and sand

Vine training:

Guyot

Altitude:

500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level

Vine density:

5,000- 5,500 per ha

Yield:

6,5 - 7 tons per hectare

Exposure:

southeastern, southwestern

Years planted:

1980, 1998

Age of vines:

15-22 years old

Time of harvest:

Late September

First vintage of this wine:

1982

Total yearly production (in bottles):

30,000 - 35,000 bottles approx.

Tasting notes:

Intense ruby red that turns garnet over time; fruity and herbaceous bouquet with notes of ripe cherry confirmed on a full, fresh, flavorful palate. Long, crisp finish.