2020 Conterno Fantino Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped, Piedmont

This exceptional wine is deep and dusky, packed with mineral, floral and savory notes that will blossom with time. It shows iron, iodine and rose petals in the nose, then lithe tannins wrap up cranberries, bitter orange, and sour cherry. Best from 2028.

95 points jamessuckling.com

The Conterno Fantino 2020 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped has aromas of brandied cherry, Luxardo cherry liqueur, oak toast, licorice root and dark rye. This Barolo is relatively tight in terms of its texture, with good intensity, chalky tannins and sufficient fruit to stand up to the tannins. Fruit comes from a one-hectare site with a combination of sand, silt and clay. Production is 6,000 bottles.

94 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

Conterno Fantino Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped from Piedmont is a standout wine that captures the elegance and depth of one of Italy’s most iconic wine regions. The Mosconi vineyard, located in the heart of Barolo, is renowned for its exceptional terroir, with its south-facing slopes and clay-limestone soils offering the ideal environment for Nebbiolo to thrive. Crafted by winemaker Gianfranco Conterno, this wine is a perfect example of his commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Langhe region while maintaining a focus on minimal intervention and sustainability.

The grapes for this Barolo are sourced from the Mosconi Vigna Ped, one of the most celebrated vineyard sites in Barolo. The vines are carefully tended to ensure low yields, which translates to concentrated flavors and intense aromatics. The wine undergoes traditional fermentation in large stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in French oak barrels. This process allows the wine to integrate the rich fruit flavors with the subtle oak influence, resulting in a wine that is both powerful and refined.

In the glass, Conterno Fantino Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped shows a deep garnet color, signaling its richness and aging potential. The nose is complex and inviting, with aromas of ripe dark fruits like black cherries and plums, intertwined with floral notes of rose and violet, and earthy undertones of tobacco, leather, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins that provide a solid backbone, while vibrant acidity keeps the wine fresh and balanced. The flavors are layered and evolving, with dark fruit, licorice, and a slight minerality, alongside nuanced spice and vanilla from the oak. The finish is long and lingering, with softening tannins and a beautifully integrated complexity that will continue to evolve with age.

Conterno Fantino Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped is an exceptional wine that pairs beautifully with rich dishes. It’s perfect with roasted meats, such as lamb or beef, pasta with truffle or mushroom sauces, or aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino. This Barolo has excellent aging potential, making it an ideal addition to any collection, as it will continue to develop in complexity over the years.