2021 Conterno Fantino Barolo Vigna del Gris, Piedmont

A perfumed Barolo with mint, licorice, graphite, earth, strawberries and fresh red cherries on the nose. Full-bodied and full of fruit concentration that coats the tannins. Velvety on the mid-palate, with integrated, lifted acidity. Try from 2027.

97 points jamessuckling.com

Opening to aromas of dried cherry and blackcurrant, the organic Conterno Fantino 2021 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris makes a fleshy and enriched appearance with hints of black licorice, tar and crushed rose at the back. The wine has a softer, velvety quality of tannins that makes it slightly more approachable in the medium term, but I nevertheless recommend more bottle age.

95 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

From the rolling hills of Monforte d’Alba comes a Barolo that expresses both power and elegance from one of the region’s most respected family estates. Conterno Fantino was founded in 1982 by Claudio Conterno and Guido Fantino, combining generations of vineyard heritage with a progressive approach to Barolo. The Vigna del Gris vineyard sits on steep slopes within the Ginestra cru area, one of Monforte’s most highly regarded zones. Limestone and clay soils, combined with excellent sun exposure and low yielding Nebbiolo vines, produce wines with structure, depth and remarkable ageing potential.

In the glass the colour is classic garnet with ruby reflections. The bouquet is complex and beautifully layered, revealing rose petal, red cherry and wild strawberry intertwined with hints of tar, liquorice and dried herbs. Subtle notes of spice, tobacco and forest floor add further intrigue as the wine opens in the glass.

On the palate it is full bodied, structured and finely detailed. Red berry fruit forms the core, framed by firm yet polished tannins and vibrant acidity that give both lift and longevity. Layers of dried cherry, earth, truffle and gentle oak unfold through the mid palate, leading to a long, savoury finish with impressive persistence. It is a classic Monforte d’Alba Barolo combining depth, structure and aromatic finesse.

Pair with slow braised beef, venison, truffle risotto or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. While captivating with extended decanting in its youth, Vigna del Gris Barolo will cellar confidently for twenty to twenty five years, developing complex layers of leather, spice and forest floor.