Conterno-Nervi
Overview
Conterno-Nervi is the historic Gattinara estate (founded 1919) that was purchased by Roberto Conterno (of Giacomo Conterno fame in Barolo) in 2018. The acquisition is one of the most significant in recent Piedmontese wine history — pairing the legendary Barolo producer’s cellar philosophy with Gattinara’s volcanic nebbiolo terroir. The estate owns two flagship single-vineyard sites — Vigna Molsino and Vigna Valferana — both raised for 3+ years in large botti. VFTC #117 rates the 2021 vintages at 94 points each, calling them “superb wines in the making.”
Appellations
- Gattinara (Alto Piemonte) — Vigna Molsino, Vigna Valferana
Key Wines
- Gattinara “Vigna Molsino” — 94 points (2021); “bottomless” depth; aged 3+ years in botti; 14% octane; “outstanding bottle” once ready
- Gattinara “Vigna Valferana” — 94 points (2021); more red-fruited and elegant than Molsino; “superb soil signature and grip”; Gilman suggests this may edge out Molsino in 20–25 years due to its elegance
Style Notes
Roberto Conterno has applied his Barolo philosophy — traditional botti aging, no new oak, enormous patience — to Gattinara’s volcanic nebbiolo. The volcanic soil character (Gattinara sits on the flank of an ancient volcano) gives a distinct mineral signature versus the marine sedimentary character of Barolo. Both 2021 single-vineyard wines are earmarked 2037–2075+ by Gilman.
Gilman Scores (VFTC #117, May-June 2025)
| Wine | Vintage | Score | Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gattinara “Vigna Molsino” | 2021 | 94 | 2037–2075+ |
| Gattinara “Vigna Valferana” | 2021 | 94 | 2037–2075+ |
My Tastings
(none yet)
Sources
- VFTC #117 (John Gilman, May-June 2025), pages 102–129 (Italian section)