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Azienda Vitivinicola
Piedmont
Ginestra is a historical cru as, since the end of the nineteenth century, it was considered a zone where Barolo of “superior”
excellence was made. The 15 hectares belonging to this estate are located in the best position of this wonderful steep (the
gradient here is 38%!) vineyard: calcareous-clayey soil, at the optimal altitude of 300-350 meters above sea level, mainly south
exposure and a part facing south-east, the microclimate here is ideal for the perfect ripening of the clusters. What more could a
viticulturist and wine-maker want!
The azienda is not only unique because of this extraordinary vineyard, but also because it has belonged to the Conterno family
for four generations (since 1886) and because to produce the perfect Barolo has always been the aim of the family members.
Tradition is followed in the ageing cellar, still the original one, where the wines rest in large French oak casks (35 hectolitres).
Very modern equipment, instead, is found in the vinification cellar where special vertical vessels are used: they have a tank
on the upper part into which the must is pumped (from the lower section) by special pumps that “drag” the liquid without any
contact with machinery parts. Depending on the quantity of must let into the lower section of the vessel, the cap can be just wet
or punched down without mechanical devices. With this method the extraction of colour and of aromatics is very efficient and
the great character of the Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto grown at the estate is maintained.
Barolo Ginestra, also in the “riserva” version in the best vintages, is made from a strict selection of the clusters and from the
older vines. Here the maceration with the skins is long in order to favour complexity. Barolo “Riva del Bric” is made from a
vineyard on the border -“riva” in Piedmontese dialect - of the southern face of the Ginestra cru, where the vines were replanted
13 years ago. The maceration with the skins is shorter so to make the wine more “ready” when released on the market.
The Ginestra cru is unmistakable in all the wines: the evident but velvety tannins supported by a wonderful freshness (in fact
Ginestra is called “the valley of austere and long-lasting Barolo”), the unique balsamic, mineral and spicy tones, the power and
the elegance.
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Barolo DOCG Riva del Bric
Zone: Monforte d’Alba
Cru: Vigneto Ginestra
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyard Ext.: 3 hectares
Average Prod.: 18,000 bottles
Barbera d’Alba DOC
La Ginestra
Zone: Monforte d’Alba
Varietal: 100% Barbera
Vineyard Ext.: 1.5 hectares
Average Prod.: 11,000 bottles
Barolo DOCG Ginestra
Zone:
Cru:
Varietal:
Vineyard Ext.:
Average Prod.:
Monforte d’Alba
Vigneto Ginestra
100% Nebbiolo
3 hectares
15,000 bottles
Type of Viticulture: Integrated / Sustainable
Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
A Mont
Zone: Monforte d’Alba
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyard Ext.: 2 hectares
Average Prod.: 12,000 bottles