Franco Conterno is one of the most compelling wine estates in the Barolo / Langhe region of Piemonte—anchored in tradition yet dynamically alive through the hands of its current generation. Located in the heart of Bussia (Monforte d’Alba), the estate is centered on the historical Cascina Sciulun, a farmhouse built in the 19th century and expanded in the 1940s, on steep, rugged hillsides deeply rich in clay, with many vineyards facing South‐SouthWest. The family has farmed these vineyards for generations (originally nonno Pietro, then Giacomo, now Franco), combining a respect for traditional Barolo practices with careful evolution and refinement.
What sets Franco Conterno apart is how they deliver high‐end Barolo quality without the stratospheric pricing often ascribed to top Piedmont producers. Their wines show class—terroir expression, tannic backbone, aging potential—but are often available at valueprice points that offer a lot of wine (in complexity, longevity, prestige) per dollar spent. This makes them especially interesting to collectors and enthusiasts who want deep Barolo without always paying investment pricing.
Finally, the estate’s consistency, vineyard pedigree, and aging regime (long oak, long maturation, attention to terroir) elevate the wines beyond good bargains: many of their wines are built to age, show complexity over time, and reward patience. The mix of old vines, prime exposure, steep slopes, and wellhandled fermentation make the wines profound rather than flashy; they lean more to “tradition with finesse” than overblown modern Barolo. That contributes very strongly to their price/value ratio—excellent wine that ages well, with provenance and consistency, but without the steep premiums of ultraprestige names.
2020 Franco Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo “Cascina Sciulun”
The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo “Cascina Sciulun” is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in hillside vineyards around Monforte d’Alba, Novello, and Madonna di Como—areas known for their clay-rich soils and excellent exposure. Grapes are hand-harvested, then gently fermented with moderate skin maceration to extract vibrant color and aromatics without over-extracting tannin. Aging typically occurs in a combination of stainless steel and large, neutral oak barrels, which preserves freshness and allows the wine’s pure varietal character to shine. After barrel maturation, the wine is bottle-aged before release to enhance integration.
On the nose, the wine is fragrant and bright, offering aromas of fresh raspberry, wild cherry, rose petals, and a subtle earthy nuance. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and approachable, with lively acidity, refined tannins, and a delicate mineral lift. This Langhe Nebbiolo is a classic example of early-drinking Nebbiolo—elegant and expressive without the weight or structure of Barolo, making it a perfect introduction to the estate’s style.
Best Price $24.99
2019 Franco Conterno Barolo “Pietrin”
The 2019 Barolo “Pietrin” is sourced from a blend of vineyards across Monforte d’Alba, Novello, and Castiglione Falletto, using classic Nebbiolo clones such as Michet and Lampia. Grapes are handpicked and fermented traditionally with around two weeks of skin contact, using daily punch-downs to extract structure and depth. The wine is then matured in large Slavonian oak barrels for approximately 24 months before undergoing further bottle aging. This combination of traditional techniques and careful handling yields a wine that is both structured and expressive, showing the finesse of its terroir.
On the nose, the 2019 Pietrin is floral and fruit-forward, showing violets, rose petals, and bright cherry, with subtle earth and spice underneath. The palate is robust yet refined, featuring tightly knit tannins, high acidity, and layers of red fruit, dried herbs, and hints of licorice. Still youthful and slightly firm, this Barolo is already drinking beautifully but will evolve gracefully over the next 8–12 years, gaining in complexity and softness.
Best Price $59.99
2018 Franco Conterno Barolo Riserva
The 2018 Barolo Riserva is a testament to the estate’s commitment to traditional winemaking and careful aging. Sourced from the best vineyards in Bussia, Pugnane, and Panerole, this wine undergoes a careful fermentation with extended skin contact, followed by long aging in large oak barrels—typically French oak—where it rests for over three years. This extended maturation process helps to soften the tannins and integrate the flavors, allowing the wine to develop its complexity and character. After aging in barrel, it is further refined in bottle, ensuring that it reaches its full potential before being released.
In the glass, the 2018 Barolo Riserva displays a deep garnet hue, with aromas of dried rose petals, tobacco, black cherry, and hints of earthy truffle. As it evolves, the bouquet reveals layers of spice, leather, and a subtle hint of vanilla from oak aging. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, with well-structured tannins, balanced acidity, and a lingering finish. The wine is powerful and complex, showing the hallmark of a great Barolo: a blend of rich fruit, floral notes, earthy depth, and a touch of oak. While approachable now, it has the potential to age beautifully, gaining further complexity and softening over the next 10–20 years.
Best Price $94.99
2016 Franco Conterno Barolo Riserva Sette 7 Anni
The 2016 Barolo Riserva is a wine of power and patience, made from the best parcels of old-vine Nebbiolo in Bussia or surrounding top-tier crus. Fermentation is slow and traditional, with extended maceration on the skins and careful extraction, followed by a lengthy maturation period of up to five years or more in large oak casks—often French or Slavonian—before bottling. The long élevage softens the wine’s tannic grip while allowing it to develop deep secondary and tertiary notes, making it ideal for long-term aging.
This 2016 vintage, from one of Piemonte’s most celebrated years, is a benchmark expression of traditional Barolo Riserva. In the glass, it reveals a garnet core with orange-rimmed edges, exuding complex aromas of dried cherry, rose petal, balsamic, forest floor, and subtle truffle. The palate is full-bodied, layered, and firm, with chewy but integrated tannins, bright acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish. The wine is just entering its prime, offering depth and complexity now, but capable of aging gracefully for two more decades.
Best Price $179.99 only 12 btls available
Last Call on Giacomo Conterno December ArrivalsThe Giacomo Conterno estate is synonymous with the highest expression of Barolo, and is often regarded by collectors and connoisseurs as one of the most important and sought-after wineries in the world. With vineyards in some of the most coveted sites in Barolo—most notably the iconic Cascina Francia and Arione—Giacomo Conterno has consistently crafted wines that set the benchmark for Nebbiolo, revered for their power, precision, and exceptional aging potential. While the estate's wines command premium prices, they remain remarkably accessible when compared to the pinnacle offerings from other elite wine regions worldwide. In fact, Conterno’s wines are often priced at a fraction—often one-third or less—of the cost of the most prestigious wines not only from Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Napa Valley but also Spain and South America, making them not only an unparalleled drinking experience but also a highly attractive investment for collectors seeking both rarity and value. With the release of the 2021 Barolo Arione, Roberto Conterno solidifies thisvremarkable cru’s place among the great terroirs of Barolo. Located on a steep,vlimestone-rich vineyard next to Cascina Francia in Serralunga d’Alba, Arione hasvquickly earned a reputation for its character, tension, and expressive depth since its firstvrelease in 2015. The 2021 vintage, shaped by a cooler, classic growing season,vhighlights the unique qualities of Arione, with its tightly wound structure and explosivevaromas of crushed black cherry, graphite, menthol, rose petals, and dark minerals. Morevvertical and coiled than the broader Cascina Francia, Arione’s wine is defined by a backbone of acidity and tannin that promises decades of evolution. This is no second wine—Arione is a distinct, independent voice, telling its story with clarity and precision through one of Italy’s most exacting producers.
Best Price $299.99 Monfortino is more than a wine; it is the gold standard of Barolo, and the 2019 Monfortino Riserva reaffirms its legendary status. Crafted by Roberto Conterno, this exceptional bottling showcases the full potential of Nebbiolo, with a growing season in Piemonte that provided ideal conditions for complexity and elegance. Aged for seven years in large botti, the wine reveals an intoxicating bouquet of rose petals, dried cherries, crushed stones, and spices, all framed by a regal structure and a seemingly endless finish. For those fortunate enough to experience it, the 2019 Monfortino is not just wine—it's a piece of history.
Bottle 750 ml $1,099.00 Special Price
Magnum 1.5 L $2,099.00 Special Price
Double Magnum 3 L $4,599.99 Special Price The 2021 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia marks a rare intersection of great terroir and a standout vintage, making it a milestone for both traditional Barolo enthusiasts and collectors. The 2021 vintage in Barolo is already being hailed as a classic, with its cooler growing conditions, extended hang times, and low yields—perfect for Nebbiolo, especially on the steep, iron-rich slopes of Cascina Francia in Serralunga d’Alba. Roberto Conterno has crafted a wine that blends power and precision, offering aromas of red cherries, roses, iron, and dried herbs, all balanced by vibrant acidity and fine, elongated tannins. This Barolo is refined and transparent, with a chiseled structure that emphasizes clarity and depth—an intellectual wine of patience and enduring beauty.
Bottle 750 ml $319.00 Special Price
Magnum 1.5 L $729.00 Special Price
Double Magnum 3 L $1,699.00 Special Price
The above wines are due to arrive mid to late December Vintage Giacomo ConternoWe are thrilled to offer this exceptional collection of Giacomo Conterno wines, with a particular focus on some incredibly well-aged Barbera—an often-overlooked gem that is rarely seen on the market. For those unfamiliar, it’s important to note that traditional Barolo blends once included up to 15% Barbera to impart additional acidity and vibrancy, an integral component that enhanced Barolo's aging potential. Many of the wines from pre-1990s, which have now aged for over 50+ years, also featured Barbera as part of the blend. So, don't dismiss this varietal—it has proven to be highly ageable and, in the hands of Giacomo Conterno, it reaches the pinnacle of quality. For collectors, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of Barolo’s great traditions in its most exquisite form.
Unfortunately, many of the wines in this offering are available in very limited quantities, with just a single bottle of many selections. We highly encourage you to act quickly, as these rare gems won’t last long. This is a unique opportunity to secure some of the most sought-after wines from one of Barolo’s most iconic estates, so don’t miss your chance to add them to your collection.
Giacomo Conterno Barbera Cascina Francia 2007 Special Price $149.99 Giacomo Conterno Barbera Cascina Francia 2008 Special Price $149.99 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia 2011 Special Price $149.99 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia 2013 Special Price $149.99 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Cerretta 2013 750ml Special Price $149.99 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia 2020 Special Price $109.99 Giacomo Conterno Barbaresco 1979 750ml Special Price $1,199.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo 1964 750ml Special Price $699.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo 1968 750ml Special Price $599.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Arione 2018 3L Special Price $2,499.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Arione 2020 1.5L Special Price $749.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2000 750ml Special Price $519.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2001 750ml Special Price $499.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2018 750ml Special Price $329.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cerretta 2017 3L Special Price $2,499.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cerretta 2018 1.5L Special Price $749.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia 2018 1.5L Special Price $749.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1943 750ml Special Price $2,499.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1952 750ml Special Price $1,999.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1999 3L Special Price $6,899.99 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva 2008 750ml Special Price $1,499.99
All the wines above are in our temperature controlled cellar and ready for delivery |
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