Aldo Conterno Barolo Gran Bussia Riserva 2005 is the flagship wine of Poderi Aldo Conterno, a top winery in Piedmont. This premium Barolo red wine represents the winery's ultimate winemaking craftsmanship and enjoys a prestigious reputation in the international wine critics' community.
Key Highlights and Brewing Process
- A blend of three prestigious vineyards: The wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes from the oldest vines in Bussia's historic vineyards. Before fermentation, three top single vineyards are blended in a golden ratio: 70% Romirasco, 15% Cicala, and 15% Colonnello.
- A milestone in winemaking: The 2005 vintage marked the first year of Giacomo Conterno's new winemaking philosophy. The winery implemented stricter green harvesting practices and extended maceration, followed by four years of aging in 2500-liter oak barrels before bottling.
- Extremely rare: Only 2,900 bottles were produced this year, making it extremely sought after.
Wine Profile
- Producer: Poderi Aldo Conterno
- Region: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
- Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
- Vineyards: Sourced from the oldest vines across three iconic Bussia crus: Romirasco, Cicala, and Colonnello.
- Drinking window: Most professional wine critics (such as Vinous) initially predicted that the best drinking window would be between 2012 and 2025.
- Current state: This wine has now undergone ample bottle aging and is at the pinnacle of its harmonious and fully evolved state. Its tannins have become rounded and mature, and the acidity remains captivating. While it may no longer possess the potential for decades of further aging, it is absolutely stunning to drink right now.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Pure rose petals, ripe strawberries, tar, licorice, mint, and subtle sweet spices. Critics like James Suckling have compared its elegance to a young Romanée-Conti.
- Palate: A wine of contrasts—powerful yet delicate, structured yet weightless, with superfine tannins and a long, savory, mineral finish.
- Flavor and taste: The wine is a deep ruby red with delicate layers of wild berries, moist earth, iron, black truffle, and sweet roasted spices, finishing with an elegant, silky, and delicate finish.
Critical Acclaim
- James Suckling: 100 points
- Vinous (Stephen Tanzer): 96+ points
- Wine Advocate: 95+ points
