The colour is deep garnet. Slightly cloudy. On the nose dark cherries and blackberries. The 14.5% alcohol is clearly perceived on the nose as well as in the mouth. The firm tannins characteristic of a Barolo wine dominates the sensations in the mouth and leave it clean and dry.
As any Barolo, Vigna del Gris is made with 100% Nebbiolo, the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont in north-western Italy. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent. Powerful, intense Barolo is the most famous and prestigious Nebbiolo-based wine, but it is increasingly rivalled by the slightly more elegant and perfumed wines from neighbouring Barbaresco.
Vigna del Gris belongs to the Cru Ginestra vineyard, one of Barolo’s various crus. The wine is produced by Conterno-Fantino, a winery founded in 1982 by Claudio Conterno and Guido Fantino. Based in Monforte d’Alba, Conterno-Fantino is now run by Guido Fantino and is son Fabio. Overall, they produce about 140’000 bottles per year (10’496 under this label, in 2008).
Conterno-Fantino produces Barolo in a style that can be enjoyed both in its youth and at an old age. A style that combines traditional elements of winemaking with a modern approach to Barolo (this wine was aged in French barriques).
I bought this bottle for 60 EUR when I visited the winery in 2013. It has been one of those visit I will remember forever, thanks to the overwhelming hospitality the Fantino family reserved us.
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Type: Red
Vintage: 2008
Producer: Conterno-Fantino
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5