Aldo Conterno - Wine Styles, Prices, Best Wines (2024)
Curious to explore the world of Aldo Conterno wine before buying one for your wine collection?
Italy is home to some of the world's most exceptional winemakers.
One such brilliant winemaker is Aldo Conterno - ‘The King of Barolo’ and the founder of Poderi Aldo Conterno wine estate in Piemonte.
Primarily known for its fine Nebbiolo wines like Granbussia and Cicala, the Aldo Conterno winery also produces a range of delicious blends and varietal wines.
In this article, we’ll take you through the Aldo Conterno wine estate and explore its inspiring history, beautiful vineyards, unique wine styles, and the best Aldo Conterno wines to buy in 2024.
What’s more? You’ll discover a quick and easy way to invest in these fine wines.
Further reading
- Step up your investment game and discover everything you need to know about Guide To Investing In Wine.
A Quick Intro To Aldo Conterno Winery
Poderi Aldo Conterno is an Italian winery established by Aldo Conterno in 1969 - in the Bussia region of Monforte d’Alba in Piedmont.
The Aldo Conterno winery produces a range of wines - from unique red blends like Il Favot and single-vineyard cru wines to brilliant varietals made from Barbera, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, and Freisa grapes.
Aldo Conterno has 25 hectares of vineyards spread across the wine region. But the best parcels, Romirasco, Cicala, and Colonnello, are located on the South and Southwest-facing slopes.
Also read: Celebrate your Sunday dinner with a glass of delicious red wine. Try Intense Malbec, Smokey Zinfandel, and Fruity Barbera wines.
Want to know how it all started?
A Brief History Of The Aldo Conterno Wine Estate
Aldo Conterno was introduced to winemaking at a very young age by his father, Giovanni Conterno. When Giovanni started working at his father’s farm in Monforte d’Alba, Aldo became a first-hand witness of his talent.
At his small winery, Giovanni started with local wine and eventually began producing superior Barolo wines. He launched his first Riserva in the 1920s.
In the 1930s, Giovanni’s sons, Giacomo and Aldo, took over the company.
Aldo expanded the Conterno family business to the US in the 1950s. Even though he was making great strides in California, he decided to return to Italy.
When Giacomo handed the business to his sons in 1961, Aldo decided to implement the knowledge he gathered in the US to start his own firm.
In 1969, Aldo bought the Favot estate and established his winery - Poderi Aldo Conterno. A year later, he started experimenting with bottling his first Riserva wine - Granbussia.
Aldo’s unique winemaking techniques soon turned the winery into one of the best Barolo producers.
A few decades later, he handed the reins to his sons, Franco, Stefano, and Giacomo Conterno.
Also read: Impress your guests with a glass of Delectable Sangria or a Mouthwatering Mimosa cocktail.
Let’s explore the magnificent Aldo Conterno vineyards.
The Vineyards Of Aldo Conterno
The Poderi Aldo Conterno estate has three cru vineyards situated at an average altitude of 400m.
Even though the vineyards enjoy the unique ‘Langa’ terroir of the Monforte d’Alba wine region, each vineyard has its own unique characteristic.
1. Romirasco
Conterno’s most loved vineyard, Romirasco, has the highest altitude in Bussia of about 400-410m above sea level.
The limestone-dominated soil gives the wine powerful and deep flavors. The presence of magnesium adds a spiciness and minerality to the wine.
2. Cicala
Cicala represents Monforte d’Alba’s classic terroir with 80% clayey marls and 20% limestone soil. The wines produced from Cicala’s fruit are more masculine and have higher acidity and distinct tannins.
3. Colonello
Colonello lies on the Monforte border with the Barolo vineyards, which is why the terroir is more similar to Barolo than Monforte.
The soil is a blend of 50% sand and 50% clay with a high magnesium and manganese content. The wines produced from this vineyard’s fruit are delicate with softer tannins and a distinct floral aroma.
Also read: Take a virtual trip to Italy and explore the secret behind Chianti Wines.
Aldo Conterno Wine Styles
Aldo Conterno produces three main types of wines - blends, single-vineyard wines, and varietals.
1. Aldo Conterno Blends
Here are Aldo Conterno’s delicious blended wines.
- Barolo Bussia: A delicious red wine made from a blend of Nebbiolo, Michet, and Lampia grapes.
- Il Favot: Another Nebbiolo, Michet, and Lampia blend, this red wine is made from the grapes of younger Nebbiolo vine plantings.
- Langhe: A rare red wine, Langhe is a blend of Freisa, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes.
- Quartetto: A rich red wine made from Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Barbera grapes.
2. Single Vineyard Wines
Aldo Conterno produces three famous single-vineyard wines - Barolo Romirasco, Barolo Cicala, and Barolo Colonnello. Each wine is a great expression of the distinct terroir of the top three cru vineyards.
3. Varietal Wines
Apart from delicious red blends and single-vineyard wines, Aldo Conterno also produces a range of varietal wines.
- Granbussia: Aldo Conterno’s most iconic wine, Granbussia, is a Riserva wine made from the Nebbiolo grapes from the three cru vineyards.
- Conca Tre Pile: It is a Barbera d’Alba varietal wine aged in barriques.
- Bussiador: Bussiador is a delicious barrique-aged Chardonnay wine.
- Printanié: Another Chardonnay varietal, Printanie is a stainless steel aged wine.
- Il Masante: Il Masante is a dry made from Dolcetto grapes.
- Bussianella: It is a sparkling wine made from Freisa grape variety.
Also read: Fall in love with the most iconic bubbly wine - Champagne. Also, find the Perfect Champagne Glass and master the art of serving Champagne.
Let’s explore Aldo Conterno’s winemaking process - the place where the magic happens.
Aldo Conterno Winemaking Techniques
The Aldo Conterno winery uses traditional winemaking techniques with a modernist approach.
Here are few distinct steps followed, especially in the grape picking and aging stages:
- Like traditional winemakers, the grapes are handpicked without the use of any modern machinery.
- Granbussia Riserva is aged for three years in oak and two years in stainless steel before being released.
- Cru wines are aged in Slovakian oak casks for 28 to 30 months.
- Other red blends and varietals are aged in stainless steel tanks or new barrique.
Also read: Looking for delicious white wine to celebrate your anniversary? Check out the Crisp Sauvignon Blanc wine.
Best Aldo Conterno Wines In 2024 (Including Tasting Notes, Prices)
Here are some of the must-try Aldo Conterno wines in 2024. These are perfect if you want to impress your partner with the perfect wine gift, or if you want to store in your cellar for years!
1. 1978 Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG
One of the best Granbussia vintage wines, the 1978 Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia is admired for its elegant personality.
This Barolo wine has perfumed aromas of ripe fruit with subtle spice hints. The palate is well-structured with supple tannin content.
Price of 1978 Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG: $1,346
2. 1979 Poderi Aldo Conterno Soprana Bussia, Barolo DOCG
In the glass, the 1979 Poderi Aldo Conterno Soprana Bussia has a ruby red color with garnet hues.
It gives off floral scents with hints of tobacco, licorice, and earth on the nose. The full-bodied palate has a red berry flavor with velvety tannins.
Price of 1979 Poderi Aldo Conterno Soprana Bussia, Barolo DOCG: $896
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3. 2009 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG
The 2009 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG is full of classic Nebbiolo flavors.
Rich, fruity aromas with spicy hints dominate the nose. The dry palate has noticeable tannins with red fruit flavors.
Price of 2009 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG: $506
4. 1999 Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia Millenium Collection, Barolo Riserva DOCG
The 1999 Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia Millenium Collection consists of 1999, 2000, and 2001 vintages giving you the best of Aldo Conterno’s Granbussia.
These Italian wines showcase the unique terroir of Conterno’s vineyards and also their brilliant winemaking art.
Price of 1999 Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia Millenium Collection, Barolo Riserva DOCG: $348
Also read: Take a step further into the world of fine wines and discover the brilliance of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wines.
5. 1990 Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala Barolo DOCG
This Piedmont wine has an aromatic nose with blackberry and plum aromas. On the palate, you get seductive smokey and toasted flavors.
Price of 1990 Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala Barolo DOCG: $357
6. 1964 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barbaresco DOCG
The 1964 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barbaresco DOCG is a savory Piemonte red wine with intense fruit flavors with subtle notes of tobacco, cedar, and earth.
Price of 1964 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barbaresco DOCG: $313
7. 1993 Poderi Aldo Conterno Romirasco Bussia, Barolo DOCG
A magnificent red wine, the 1993 Poderi Aldo Conterno Romirasco Bussia showcases the unique terroir of Conterno’s Romirasco vineyard.
The intense aromas of tar, earth, roses, and red fruits dominate the nose. On the palate, the wine is structured with notable tannins.
Price of 1993 Poderi Aldo Conterno Romirasco Bussia, Barolo DOCG: $328
8. 2009 Poderi Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG
The 2009 Poderi Aldo Conterno Colonnello has a pronounced nose with complex aromas of balsam, herbs, black cherry, licorice, and smoke. The well-structured palate has a lasting finish.
Price of 2009 Poderi Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG: $195
9. 1994 Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Barolo DOCG
This 1994 vintage is made from the fruit of Conterno’s Bussia vineyard.
On the nose, you get rich fruity and floral aromas. The palate is rounded and full of oak notes - thanks to the three-year Slavonian oak cask aging.
Price of 1994 Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Barolo DOCG: $409
10. 2003 Poderi Aldo Conterno Quartetto Rosso Langhe
The 2003 Poderi Aldo Conterno Quartetto Rosso Langhe has a seductive bouquet of rose, forest floor, berry compote, and tar scents. On the palate, this Langhe Nebbiolo wine has sour cherry, eucalyptus, tapenade, and red berry notes.
Price of 2003 Poderi Aldo Conterno Quartetto Rosso Langhe: $98
Should You Invest In Aldo Conterno Wines?
Aldo Conterno single-vineyard wines (Romirasco, Cicala, and Colonnello) can effortlessly age for 10 to 20 years. Some of the best vintages by this Italian wine producer (like Gransbussia) can age even longer.
Thanks to their praise-worthy aging potential, elegance, and finesse, Aldo Conterno wines consistently bask in high scores from prominent wine critics like James Suckling. That’s also why the wines from this Barolo producer command high prices.
Take the 2010 Poderi Aldo Conterno Romirasco Bussia, for example - its price increased 64% from $226 in 2019 to $371 in 2020.
Similarly, the 2016 Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala went up 35% from $109 to $147 in a year (Feb 2020 - Jan 2021.)
So, if you’re looking for long-term investments, then Aldo Conterno is an excellent place to start your journey.
But how do you find the perfect Aldo Conterno wine? Also, where would you store your bottle of fine wine?
A trusted wine investment firm like Vinovest can help you buy, store and sell authentic wines worldwide.
Here’s how:
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Become The Proud Owner Of A Fine Aldo Conterno Wine
This iconic wine estate from Italy offers something for every wine lover - from the easy-drinking Dolcetto and sparkling Freisa to luscious, age-worthy Nebbiolo wines!
At the same time, wine collectors admire Aldo Conterno Nebbiolos because of their exceptional quality and ability to improve with time.
So, sign up on the Vinovest website and add a fine Aldo Conterno to your wine collection right away!
