Few names in Italian wine command more reverence than Giacomo Conterno. Founded in the 1920s by Giacomo Conterno and later elevated by his son Giovanni, the estate set a new standard for traditional Barolo with the introduction of Monfortino, a wine that redefined what nebbiolo could become in the hands of a visionary. Giovanni’s powerful, long-aging Barolos became the benchmark for the region, and his decision to purchase the famed Cascina Francia vineyard in 1974 cemented the estate’s reputation as one of the Langhe’s greats.

Today, the legacy continues under Giovanni’s son Roberto Conterno. With the same uncompromising approach, Roberto has confidently expanded the estate’s holdings to include Cerretta and Arione, two of Serralunga d’Alba’s most prized crus. In the cellar, tradition remains paramount. Long macerations and extended aging in large casks are paired with meticulous farming and subtle technological improvements to preserve purity and precision. The result is a lineup of wines that are deeply rooted in place and tradition, as well as among the most profound expressions of Barolo being made today.

Cerretta, purchased in 2008, has become an integral part of the estate’s lineup. This vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba showcases Nebbiolo at its most vibrant and complex. The 2021 vintage is a testament to both the site and the craftsmanship behind it. It delivers a captivating bouquet of floral notes, bright red fruits, smoky incense, and earthy undertones. On the palate, the wine is both tightly coiled and sumptuous, with energetic layers of blood orange, bergamot, and crushed stone. Its tannins are remarkable—refined and seamlessly integrated, lending the wine both structure and charm.

This is Barolo at its most profound—an expression of Nebbiolo that combines vibrant energy with depth, structure with elegance, and precision with soul. Roberto Conterno’s vision and care continue to elevate Cerretta as one of the great vineyards in the Conterno portfolio, reaffirming the family’s place at the pinnacle of Italian winemaking.

“The 2021 Barolo Cerretta is the most approachable of Conterno’s 2021 Barolos. It seems to offer a bit less overall dimension and complexity than the other Barolos and, therefore, more complete balance of its components in the early going that should allow it to start opening with a few years in bottle. There’s plenty of underlying nervy structure, and yet the Cerretta is not quite as imposing as its siblings in this range. Floral and spice overtones gradually open with a bit of aeration.” 95 pts, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

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These wines are pre-arrival with an estimated arrival date of late summer. During warmer months orders are placed on hold, your wines will ship as weather permits and the daily range is consistently between 45 and 74 degrees. Please note pre-arrival sales are non-refundable as suppliers require us to make binding commitments and deposits to secure the wine.