Barolo Ginestra “Vigna del Gris” DOCG

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).
Vigna del Gris is the “princess” of Conterno Fantino. It’s feminine and delicate, and the most accessible of the range, thanks also to its unparalleled intrigue, finesse and elegance. Located just 320 meters (1,050 feet) above sea level in the Ginestra district, the vineyards are south- and southeast-facing with a lighter sandy soil. The wines are opulent and refined. The oldest vines in the vineyard were planted in 1978.
Wine exported to
Canada, USA, Australia
Most recent awards
- 2017 | James Suckling96
- 2017 | Vinous93
- 2016 | Wine & Spirits96
- 2016 | Wine Spectator95
- 2016 | Wine Advocate96
- 2016 | Vinous Media93
- 2010 | Wine Enthusiast92
- 2009 | Gambero Rosso3 Bicchieri
- 2010 | International Wine Cellar93
Grape Varieties:
100% Nebbiolo
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
12-15 days
Type of yeast:
Spontaneous indigenous yeast
Fermentation temperature:
28-30 °C (82.4-86 °F)
Maceration technique:
Rotating paddles
Length of maceration:
12-15 days
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Aging containers:
oak barrels
Container age:
First and second use
Type of oak:
Allier /Troncais
Bottling period:
June/July
Aging before bottling:
24 months
Aging in bottle:
12 months
Closure:
Natural Cork
Organic:
Vineyards
Vineyard name:
Vigna del Gris
Vineyard location:
Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont
Vineyard size:
2.5 hectares (6.2 acres)
Soil composition:
50% sand, 34% silt and 16% clay
Vine training:
Guyot
Altitude:
320 meters (1,050 feet) above sea level
Vine density:
4,500-5,000 per ha
Yield:
5.5 - 6 tons per hectare
Exposure:
Southern, southeastern
Years planted:
1978, 2000
Age of vines:
18-38 year old vines
Time of harvest:
Mid-October
First vintage of this wine:
1982
Total yearly production (in bottles):
6,000 - 8000
Tasting notes:
A rich bouquet of ripe red fruits with prevalence of red cherries. A superb but elegant and grand structure with just the right amount of acidity.
Serving temperature:
Best served at 16-18 °C (60.8-64.4 °F).
Food pairings:
A wonderful accompaniment to meat, pasta and aged cheese. A nice surprise with chicken cacciatore.
Aging potential:
10-30 years
Alcohol:
Alcohol cont. by volume: 14%
Winemaker:
Guido and Fabio Fantino