Giacomo Conterno — The Soul of Traditional Barolo

Located in the heart of Serralunga d’Alba, among the rolling hills of Barolo, Giacomo Conterno stands as one of Italy’s greatest wine estates. Founded in the early 20^th century, it has become synonymous with classic style, uncompromising craftsmanship, and exceptional longevity. Under the leadership of Roberto Conterno, the third generation, the estate continues to pursue perfection with patience, precision, and authenticity at its core.

Vineyards & Terroir

The estate is built around three legendary crus, each with its own distinctive identity:

Cascina Francia — A 14-hectare monopole acquired in 1974, facing southwest at 400 m altitude. Its limestone and sandy soils provide structure, mineral tension, and depth.
Cerretta — A 3-hectare plot purchased in 2008. Clay-limestone soils produce Barolos with generous texture and balanced power.
Arione — Acquired in 2015, this 3.5-hectare south-facing site yields wines of remarkable energy, precision, and verticality.

Each cru is vinified separately to preserve its unique character. Only the best parcels are selected for the estate’s iconic wines, ensuring unwavering quality.

Viticulture & Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested and rigorously sorted. Yields are deliberately low — around 30 hl/ha — to guarantee concentration and balance. Fermentations rely exclusively on indigenous yeasts, followed by long macerations that extract depth and complexity without harshness.

Aging takes place in large traditional oak casks for four to seven years. No new oak is ever used — at Conterno, Nebbiolo must express itself through its tannins, freshness, and minerality, not the imprint of wood. This patient and minimalist approach gives the wines their legendary aging potential.

Style: Tension, Depth & Purity

Giacomo Conterno’s wines are defined by their noble austerity in youth and breathtaking complexity with age. Built to last for decades, they are structured, luminous, and sculpted by the terroir of Serralunga. The balance between power and elegance, structure and finesse, places them among the world’s greatest expressions of Nebbiolo.

Signature Wines

Barolo Monfortino Riserva — The estate’s crown jewel, made only in the greatest vintages. Aged over seven years in cask. Monumental, complex, virtually immortal.
Barolo Francia — A pure, mineral-driven expression of Cascina Francia with remarkable tension and precision.
Barolo Cerretta — Broader and more opulent, with a supple and enveloping texture.
Barolo Arione — Linear, energetic, and vertical; a modern classic of crystalline definition.
Barbera d’Alba Francia & Cerretta — Aged two years in large casks; an alliance of depth, freshness, and refined structure.

Legacy & Vision

For over a century, Giacomo Conterno has embodied the soul of traditional Barolo. The family motto — wines “almost undrinkable” in their youth — perfectly captures their vision: wines made for future generations.

Roberto Conterno has elevated this legacy with relentless precision. The acquisition of Cantine Nervi in Gattinara in 2018 opened a new chapter, extending the Conterno philosophy to the volcanic terroirs of northern Piedmont, where Nebbiolo finds a unique alpine elegance.