Giacomo Conterno
Summary
Giacomo Conterno operates a 23-hectare estate in Monforte d'Alba, crafting Nebbiolo-based wines from their Cascina Francia and Arione vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba's calcareous marl soils. Their traditional approach features extended 30-40 day macerations and aging in large Slavonian oak casks, producing both classic Barolo and the historic Monfortino Riserva, which ages for a minimum of seven years.
Heritage & Leadership
Giacomo Conterno established his winery in 1920 in Monforte d'Alba, building upon his family's wine merchant business. His son Giovanni Conterno took leadership in 1961, implementing precise protocols for the estate's Monfortino Riserva production. Roberto Conterno, representing the third generation, assumed control in 2004 and maintains strict adherence to traditional methods while expanding holdings through the 2015 acquisition of Arione vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate's primary vineyard holdings consist of 14 hectares in Cascina Francia (Serralunga d'Alba) and 9 hectares in Arione (Serralunga d'Alba). Cascina Francia, planted in 1974, sits at 400-450 meters elevation with southwest exposure on calcareous marl soils. The Nebbiolo vines average 45 years of age. Production focuses exclusively on Nebbiolo for Barolo, with specific parcels designated for Monfortino Riserva based on vintage conditions.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach maintains traditional extended maceration periods of 30-35 days for standard Barolo and up to 40 days for Monfortino. Fermentation occurs in large wooden vats using indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place in large Slavonian oak casks: 4 years for Barolo and 7 years minimum for Monfortino Riserva. The estate employs no temperature control during fermentation and minimal intervention throughout the aging process. Bottling occurs without fining or filtration after complete natural clarification.