2021 Poderi Aldo Conterno Conca Tre Pile Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont

Poderi Aldo Conterno Conca Tre Pile Barbera d’Alba is a benchmark example of Barbera from one of Piedmont’s most revered estates, showcasing richness, precision, and the variety’s vibrant acidity in perfect harmony. Aldo Conterno, known as the “King of Barolo,” founded the estate in Monforte d’Alba in 1969 after leaving his family’s winery to pursue his own vision. Today, his sons run the estate, continuing his legacy of producing structured, terroir-driven wines. Conca Tre Pile is their flagship Barbera, sourced from a single, prized vineyard that sits on the slopes of Bussia, a celebrated cru in Barolo territory.

The Conca Tre Pile vineyard lies at high altitude on calcareous marl soils typical of the Langhe, which give the wine both intensity and freshness. The old vines produce low yields of concentrated grapes, and Barbera’s naturally high acidity is tempered by the warmth and exposure of this site, resulting in fruit with both ripeness and lift. After hand harvesting, the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel to retain purity, then aged for around 12 months in French oak barriques, a portion of which are new. This aging adds subtle structure, spice, and polish without masking Barbera’s lively character.

In the glass, Conca Tre Pile is a deep, vibrant ruby. Aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and wild berries mingle with notes of sweet spice, cedar, and a touch of cocoa. The palate is medium to full bodied, with concentrated dark fruit, Barbera’s signature juicy acidity, and beautifully integrated oak. Fine tannins and a long, savoury finish give the wine both immediate appeal and cellaring potential. It’s a sophisticated take on Barbera that bridges tradition and modern precision.

This wine pairs wonderfully with classic Piedmontese dishes like tajarin with ragù, braised beef, osso buco, or aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s also superb with grilled meats, mushroom risotto, or rich tomato-based dishes. While drinking beautifully on release, it can age gracefully for 8 to 12 years, developing savoury complexity over time.