Giacomo Conterno Monfortino Riserva 2013

The Monfortino is in no uncertain terms a real liquid legend, an absolute champion able to rewrite the history of Barolo and to sit at the table of the greatest wines in the world. Granitic monument, it is an almost immortal creature given its ability to challenge time and to establish a dialectical relationship in which after decades it even comes out enriched. A piece of Langa, deep and territorial, as well as the winery founded by the Conterno family in 1900 without ever from that day ever coming the classic and austere interpretation of a grape variety suited as Nebbiolo. The first Monfortino label appears in 1924, to emphasize the location of the vineyards located in Monforte d'Alba, while since 1974 the wine has been obtained entirely from the Vigna Francia di Serralunga D'Alba. The Monfortino Riserva comes from a selection of the best Nebbiolo grapes located in the Francia vineyard, the same from which Barolo and Barbera Cascina Francia, other historic Conterno wines, derive. After a careful selection of the bunches, the first fermentation takes place in 61-hectolitre oak vats, with long macerations even when submerged, as per tradition. Subsequently the liquid is moved into large wooden barrels, mainly of Austrian origin, where after malolactic fermentation, it is aged for about six years before bottling. The Barolo Monfortino Riserva is presented in the glass with a bright and iridescent garnet red color. The nose is a poignant portrait of Langa, which is gradually revealed and whispered. Dog rose, violet, cherry: there is everything in this hymn to classicism, although to speak of descriptors is almost reductive given the harmony and cohesion of the aromas. The tasting is experiential, a real cyclone that conquers the palate filling it with grace and power at the same time. The displacement of the liquid allows it to go very far, fading into an eternal persistence. To drink, at least once in a lifetime.