Giacomo Conterno Arione Nebbiolo d'Alba 2019

The 2019 Nebbiolo d'Alba Vigna Arione might be the finest wine among Conterno's new releases. It is certainly the wine I would most like to own. Sadly, production is so small the 2019 won't be available in the United States. The Nebbiolo d'Alba emerges from a tiny parcel in Arione that is just outside the Barolo appellation. In 2015, Conterno made a magical wine for charity from this site, then ripped out the vines after harvest. The 2019 is the first wine from the young vines, and it is stellar. Bright saline notes, vibrant acids and hints of spice, orange peel and mint run through a core of Nebbiolo fruit. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing, but everything about the 2019 speaks to class. A kick of tannins on the finish rounds things out in a captivating wine that is pure Barolo in everything but name. If you can find it, don't miss it!

By Antonio Galloni September 2022